Posts Tagged ‘casual games’
Casual Gaming To Fight Obesity?
While many in the UK are pointing fingers at the gaming industry for rising obesity rates, researchers are exploring the potential of games to narrow waistlines. Casual gaming site Popcap Games launched a pilot study which tested the potential for casual games to be used as a dieting tool.
The participants took part in a a month long trial during January of this year where they played Bejeweled Twist as a tool for controlling their appetite. Presumably they were instructed to sit down and play whenever they felt a craving for a snack. Unfortunately a large number of participants failed to complete the study and removed any statistical validity to their results, but what we can take away from it still seems promising.
It was reported that those who completed the trial experienced 100% success in lifting their mood and beating cravings when they played the game. Distraction has often been used as a diet aid and video games are especially helpful since they engage not only the mind but also the hands, helping to prevent from reaching for another bag of chips. Though it’s wonderful to see gaming getting some good press, it’s also a rather silly thing to study, because the results are pretty common sense. Many overweight people eat as a comfort; whether they’re sad, stressed out or just feeling uncomfortable, the sensation of eating reassures them. Video games are just as good at relieving stress and boosting spirits (get 100% on a Guitar Hero song and tell me you don’t jump for joy). Despite the limited success of the study, PopCap say they’re excited and plan on commissioning more studies into the health benefits of casual gaming.
Jewel Quest Solitaire III Announced
If you are among the millions of gamers crazy about the Jewel Quest Solitaire games, then you are sure to love the Jewel Quest Solitaire III. iWin, Inc., a leading developer and publisher of online casual games, today announced the launch of Jewel Quest Solitaire III, an exciting new installment in the hugely popular Jewel Quest franchise.
In Jewel Quest(R) Solitaire III, Rupert and Emma’s friend, Ratu, discovers a valuable tablet in the ruins of an ancient civilization. Little does Ratu know that this find is just the beginning. When his beloved assistant, Yumi, is inexplicably abducted, Ratu is propelled into a perilous game of cat-and-mouse with Yumi’s treacherous captors.
Unlike most downloadable solitaire games, Jewel Quest Solitaire III uses the Klondike mechanic which is arguably the most classic solitaire game in the world.
Jewel Quest Solitaire has 100 Levels of play, 10 gorgeous environments, a fabulous Match 3 experience, compelling story and a mystery to solve, giving avid solitaire players more in a single solitaire game than they could ever dream of.
Jewel Quest Solitaire III is currently exclusively available from iWin.com where it can be downloaded with a 60 minute free trial. Customers of iWin’s iCoins service can purchase all games for up to 65 percent off, in addition to receiving exclusive discounts on other iWin games. Jewel Quest, Jewel Quest II, Jewel Quest Solitaire and Jewel Quest Solitaire II are available entirely for free at http://www.iwin.com/download/InGameAds-games.
(Source) Press