Families connect with game consoles

Interactive gaming devices such as the Nintendo Wii have become popular pastimes for families.

Contributed

Poll

Does your family play electronic games together?

This poll ended on 30 September 2011.

Yes

42%

No

57%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

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INTERACTIVE gaming devices are changing the way families are spending time together, a survey has revealed.

The online study revealed Queensland families engage in entertainment activities together about twice a week and play video games together about once a week.

The marketing director of Xbox Australia and New Zealand, Kimberley Francis, is unsurprised by the results.

“The survey found that Queensland parents and children find time to play video games together about once a week, so we can see that Queensland families have adapted the activities they undertake as a family unit to reflect the ever-changing technological landscape,” Ms Francis said.

Gametraders Maroochydore store manager Frank Hansen said interactive gaming devices, including the Nintendo Wii, Playstation Move and XBox Kinect, were indeed a growing trend.

“It's (interactive gaming) not just a gimmick, it's better technology,” Mr Hansen said.

“In the past, kids and teenagers would lock themselves away in their rooms with their video games.”

These new interactive games however involve a lot of motion, which means kids need to use a larger area, like the living room to play.

“Mum and dad get to see what the kids are playing and want to get involved,” Mr Hansen said.

He said the new technology was a great form of “light entertainment” for families, especially on rainy days or at night.

“I would still push for outdoor activity during the day,” Mr Hansen said.