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Gaming uncovered

Declan Curry | 11:25 UK time, Tuesday, 16 December 2008

Programme warning: I may remove some items of clothing during today's show. And show a little bit of leg.

The reason? We're looking at computer games.

You might think it's all about spotty teenage boys playing "shoot-'em up" war games in their bedrooms.

You'd be wrong.

The industry has been trying for years to widen their appeal. Nintendo - our big guest today - has a suite of games to help the middle-aged fight the flab (hence today's beauty show ...)

And the elderly are also a key market.

In Japan, - using computer games to do puzzles, drawing and catch up on their reading.

It's no surprise that companies in Japan are going after senior citizens - according to that Guardian report linked above, about 20% of Japan's 127 million-strong population are aged 65 or older; that's expected to rise to almost 30% by the year 2025.

These games are being marketed here in the UK as well.

And there are claims that computer games - rather than rotting your brain, as grumpies might mutter under their breath - can keep it ticking over.

suggest older people who play computer games have sharper memories and are better at doing several tasks at once.

That's why one major insurance company in the United States - Allstate - is - to see if it makes them better drivers.

And it's why and have installed computer games consoles - to keep their residents fit - both mentally and physically.

If you're an older person who's a regular gamer - get in touch. What got you into it? Has it made your mind sharper? Email us or add a comment.

Why does any of this matter in business terms? It's a decent sized money-spinner for UK plc - and it's one of those creative industries we're told will be the basis of our economic future.

According to its trade association, games made in the UK in the last two years will generate global revenues of £4bn. And it reckons that - credit crunch or no credit crunch.

PS Working Lunch viewers Brian Smith and Stuart Stokes have both emailed already, to ask why some games are not available in stores - and can only be found online, through re-sellers and collectors who are charging up to 3 times the price. This is all about stock control. Every year the games companies warn they may "run out" ahead of Christmas, and it always makes us a bit suspicious. Are they really swamped by customer demand, year after year - or do they ration the stock to whip up a bit of excitement and hype. We'll ask Nintendo's UK boss at 1230.

Comments

  • Comment number 1.

    Which Wii game was being used in the programme? It looked like you were getting some good exercise!

  • Comment number 2.

    Dec, I'm afraid you really need the exercise mayber the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ should supply you with one of those Wiis. Long way from the slim man in the physics class!! Merry Christmas

  • Comment number 3.

    Declan:
    Thanks for the prior warning! And, i hope that everyone enjoys the games....

    ~Dennis Junior~

  • Comment number 4.

    I'm not so old as some gamers, but at 37 I'm a bit older than most. I've been gaming regularly for about 10 years, mainly since I discovered strategy games. And the reason I'm up at this unearthly hour? Because the Informatist business simulation game that I'm hooked on at the moment is closed for an hour for server maintenance. I'm running a JIT stock strategy while I save up for a bigger warehouse so that my virtual business can trade 24 hours. I need to be around when the site reopens so that I can restock on raw materials. Am I sad? Probably, but the thrill of the cut and thrust of risk-free, stress-free business is good displacement therapy for the Christmas break away from real business. Warning: gaming can be incredibly addictive (but educational too).

  • Comment number 5.

    Declan

    Have you come across 'SimVenture' - it's a business game that seems to be gaining in popularity particularly with uni students. It doesn't appear to be available in shops but is available on line.

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