The console addict

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Games are no longer about punching keys and console games are passé. Sleek games with motion-sensing technology to practically map the entire body of the console controller are the latest rage among youngsters.
While these intuitive games make them feel a part of the action, experts are worried as playing these games for long can cause serious health hazards.
For 19-year-old Sumanth Jha, the side-effects don’t matter, as these games are the best way to have some sporty fun. He confesses, “I’ve heard that the twirls and slouches in such games can result in shoulder injuries and sprains, but that doesn’t stop me from playing. I remember getting a bad neck after playing Big 3 Gun Shooting. Since then I am a bit cautious about the games I choose to play.”
Motion games are the new playground for happy-go-lucky boys. Abhay Sridhar, a second year engineering student finds these games fun and great for the ‘energetic’ soul.
He says, “I frequently visit gaming parlours with my friends to play motion games like Legend of Zelda and I’ve never faced any health issues. There are chances of you spraining yourself even when you play at the playground too. I think the only people who complain are those who don’t know how to play these games.”
But health experts caution youth who are into these games.
Dr Rajesh Verma, a general physician, says, “I remember this 18-year-old guy who came to me as he was suffering from severe back pain and eye problems. He was addicted to motion games, which had a special light bulb and eye camera that can detect the precise movement, angle and absolute position in 3D space. I advised him to stop playing for the time being and slowly we introduced him to the concept of responsible gaming, as too much of anything is bad.”
Rather than ditching that console, play it the smart way, opine motion-gaming freaks like Swathi Gupta, a second-year student.
She says, “My guy friends used to always tease me saying these games are not meant for delicate girls as it is a man thing. But I enjoy these action-packed games and don’t face any hassles as I take regular breaks, keep munching in between and don’t get too obsessive.”