Microsoft Patent Targets Fat Gamers?

http://www.incgamers.com/News/20220/microsoft-patent-targets-fat-gamers

LOL! oh my..I am sooo glad I'm not fat. I simply don't think this is a good idea. This could put a huge damper on obese peoples' self-esteem out there. I forsee alot of xbox live kids making fun of people if this does happen.

A patent filed by Microsoft for "Avatar Individualized by Physical Characteristic" appears to be targeting overweight gamers.

The patent that's beenfiled outlines plans to assign larger game avatars based on an individual's real weight and size which they say will reflect "many of the incentives of the real world replicated in a virtual environment". So what does that mean for the overweight gamer?

According to the document, "Physiological data that reflects a degree of health of the real person can be linked to rewards of capabilities of a gaming avatar", in other words, there's the possibility that if you're overweight Microsoft could limit the amount of time you can play or reflect your heftiness by giving you a fat avatar in-game, or perhaps even on Xbox Live as demonstrated by our handy fat avatar image.

How exactly Microsoft plan on assessing your level of fitness is unclear but the patent does mention the use of a health information repository,receiving physiological data sensed from the user, detecting a pedometer recording, and the list goes on. Of course this could be Microsoft investigating the fitness game fad for the 360 which would be a more logical conclusion to this patent filing.Make of it what you will.

Sounds like Xbox Live's about to have a US-inspired obesity crisis!

LOL awesome news!

Hahaha that would be an epic win for Microsoft if it was mandatory for overweight gamers to give their EXACT weight.

Well... this is a first. Well now we know that they are trying to individualize people by weight... sigh... I tell people to stop this, I really do.

Can I make them anorexic?

^^ He doesn't seem too happy about it ^^

Sorry, I just had to :P

i LMAO at this part: "there's the possibility that if you're overweight Microsoft could limit the amount of time you can play"

According to the document, "Physiological data that reflects a degree of health of the real person can be linked to rewards of capabilities of a gaming avatar", in other words, there's the possibility that if you're overweight Microsoft could limit the amount of time you can play or reflect your heftiness by giving you a fat avatar in-game, or perhaps even on Xbox Live as demonstrated by our handy fat avatar image.

Jake145222

Or, they will use this as an opportunity to give away a Subway sandwich as an avatar award.

In other words, 'Lose weight Fatty'.

I don't see a problem with it as it is fact that Subway sandwiches are deliciously delicious. :)

This is GREAT, I can't wait!

Lol at this bit :

"...If you're overweight Microsoft could limit the amount of time you can play or reflect your heftiness by giving you a fat avatar in-game, or perhaps even on Xbox Live as demonstrated by our handy fat avatar image." :lol:

now we get to see what gamers truly look like.:P

It will be interesting.

Nintendo wins with The Biggest Loser: The Video Game

Perhaps videogames will help solve the obesity epidemic? MS should create some exercise games with Natal; I think they would work pretty well.

Perhaps videogames will help solve the obesity epidemic? MS should create some exercise games with Natal; I think they would work pretty well.

shoryuken_

This will help motivate the "fatties" to lose weight and exercise so they could get some more playtime lol :PBlazerdt47

You don't even have to be obese for these types of games. From what I've heard about the EA Fitness game for the Wii, you will be put through some of the most intense workouts of your life.

I believe that Natal has huge potential to make the exercise genre really big in the coming years since you won't need a gym membership and all of those extra peripherals that you have to pay for on the Wii exercise games.

So wait, you're supposed to fill in your height and weight and your avatar changes accordingly? And your system shuts down if it "thinks" you're playing too much? wtf is this? killerfist

I believe that's what they call "tough love."

[QUOTE="killerfist"]So wait, you're supposed to fill in your height and weight and your avatar changes accordingly? And your system shuts down if it "thinks" you're playing too much? wtf is this? shoryuken_

I believe that's what they call "tough love."

can you just lie about it.

can you just lie about it.

POPEYE1716

When you lie, you only end up hurting yourself and those around you. Get on that treadmill! :P

Perhaps videogames will help solve the obesity epidemic? MS should create some exercise games with Natal; I think they would work pretty well.

shoryuken_

lol, but seriously..it better be an optional feature:Pkillerfist

can you just lie about it.

POPEYE1716

[QUOTE="killerfist"]

lol, but seriously..it better be an optional feature:PDystopian-X

Man this article sure jumps to some obscure conclusions.

Haha.. "pay 50 a year and experience our exercise program for free! The evolution of gaming is here...soon gamers will be the superhumans we've been waiting for.." killerfist

That will go so well with my vitality sensor ^_^

Maybe I am misunderstanding it, but Wiifit Mii already change based on your weight.HarlockJC

that game said i was fat as hell, hahaha, good times