New Video Game Encourages Kids To Quit Playing Video Games And Explore Nature

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by Michael Parrish DuDell September 1, 2009
Categories: .

neighborhood-explorers

If this isn’t the strangest thing I’ve ever seen then I don’t know what is.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service recently created Neighborhood Explorers — a video game encouraging kids to stop playing video games and take an interest in the environment. Wait, what?

The game is targeted to outdoor-deprived children aged 8-11 and encourages them to explore all the neat things there is to do outside.

But really? A video game about environmentalism? According to the NRDC, video games in the US consume 16 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity a year, a number equal to the annual energy consumption of San Diego, California.

What do you think about this anti video game video game? Chime in and add some clarity…cause this blogger’s confused!

via: treehugger.com


Categories: .
  • Stephanie

    No comment. That’s just weird.

  • hil

    Since it is targeted at kids that probably don’t go outside, I think it is a genius move! From what I am gleaning from this article US Fish and Wildlife understands that too many kids never leave the video game to go outside, so by using the medium that targets those kids best they are able to encourage them to learn about their natural environment. And by using that medium they are increasing their chances that the message will come across. I would have to see the game more to be able to judge it, but if it can get more kids outside searching for nature in their urban or suburban landscapes I’m all for it!

  • don miguelo

    I think the goal is getting this reaction from kids:

    “This government-made Sim is so lame I’m forced to go outside in order to not play it!”

    Yeah.

  • http://gamermomsclub.ning.com/profile/LoisEiler Lois Eiler

    Reminds me a bit of Nickelodeon’s recent attempts at having an outdoor day. Just because a kid or adult is addicted to video games doesn’t mean they can’t learn about the great outdoors — so when we actually go there we’re not total strangers! I think it’s a good idea.

  • 96787

    they should just cut off electricity to all us households for 1 month.

    people will be like seriously different and no one would be watching the media who are trying to hang the people who pulled the plug so instead of juat hating and then watching 8 hours tv and blogging about the socialist evil tard that forced you to use your psp in 5 minute intervals over the month maybe you can go outside and get stung by a bee and learn to pee on yourself like all men once knew.

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