New UK ads promote 'healthy' gaming
Dancing okay, MMOs... not
Responding to criticism that previous ad campaigns had unfairly singled out gaming as being unhealthy, the latest 'Change4Life' adverts running in the UK point out the benefits of "healthy" video gaming.
The new adverts show healthy kids and adults playing dance mat games as part of healthy, social pass-times; the government campaign hoping to promote healthier living, especially among youngsters.
Surprisingly, the latest ad (which you can watch online at the Guardian) doesn't portray playing World of Warcraft while locked in a darkened room for nine hours as being a good use of time; but then this could be what's in store for round three perhaps.
The games industry (including trade body ELSPA) reacted angrily to the first advertising campaign, which portrayed kids "doing nothing" while playing games as detrimental.
The Change4Life ads are airing now on British TV.
