This generation has seen the very fabric of family life change dramatically. Not only is it unlikely that many families sit down to dinner together, it was also unlikely that the whole family was in the house at the same time. This can be blamed on many things, yet one of the most popular is the video game phenomenon. Although certainly not a new concept, with the likes of Space Invaders and Asteroids playing a large part in our own childhood, it was only in the last 5 years or so that video games have taken realism to a whole new level.
This has in turn led to our kids spending more time around their friends houses, as well as missing dinner to stay in their rooms and play on their Xbox or Playstation. And with the advent of online gaming, it has become even less likely that mealtimes will be a social event. However, the last year has seen a dramatic increase in the amount of families actually spending time together again, and not only that, but enjoying their time together immensely. Ironically, it is a new videogame system that has resulted in this.
The Nintendo Wii
Released last Christmas, the Nintendo Wii is one of these magical things that just seem to happen at the right time, and involve everybody from children to grandparents, and everything in between.
Much like the Rubik Cube craze of the 80's it is simple to pick up but very hard to put down.
From the Japanese company that has become synonymous with the video game market, the Nintendo Wii brings to mind the days when families would gather round the television to watch quiz shows together, or play sports in the local field, or simply spend some time in the kitchen making a cake. Not only that, but it brings these social times to mind by recreating them all in video game form, and one that the whole family can join in with.
The way that it does this is through its ingenious controller system. Instead of using the standard controllers that videogames have employed over the years, the Wii has a sensor-controlled pad that you move to control what is happening on-screen. Now, instead of turning a corner in a racing car by shifting your control stick left or right, you actually tilt the Wii controller in the direction you wish to move, and the sensor does the rest. For any of you who normally tilt your body as well as your controller if you have ever tried a racing game, you will know how intuitive this is!
There is a second controller called a Nunchuck, which is similar to a mouse, and using this in conjunction with the normal controller opens up a whole new way of playing. For example, in a game about fishing, you can use the sensor controller to cast your line, and the Nunchuk to reel in your catch. It is such a simple idea, you wonder why no-one had thought of it until now. If you have seen the adverts for the Wii, you will have noticed how it shows people of all ages playing the games, and this is not just a marketing ploy.
From the minute you pick up the controller yourself, it feels so easy and normal, and this is one of the reasons that has seen families gather round the television together again.
When you throw in the incredibly fun games that the Wii has to offer, such as tennis where you use the controller just like a tennis racquet, or bowling where it doubles up as the bowl, and you go through the normal bowling motion, it is not hard to see why this is fun for all ages. And it is this all-age approach that has seen a videogame company, traditionally the enemy of the family setting, turn out to be quite possibly the most unlikely saviour of the positive family atmosphere in homes today.
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Danny Brown is a well-respected freelance writer, and owner of PressRelease PR, a specialist press release and unique content company.
A Bachelor of English, he has had his work published in both online and offline publications, and is much sought-after for his expertise and research skills in a variety of fields.
A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, Danny now lives in Toronto with his wife Jacki and their two cats.
