Active video games, sometimes called exergames, are marketed as a way to turn screen time into physical activity time. They require players to move instead of sitting still as they play a sport, dance, or navigate virtual scenarios with their bodies. Are these active games a good option? Do they count as physical activity for kids?
The answer is yes. These games can be a good option for increasing activity time in youth, but they have their limits. Studies show that active video games use more energy and increase heart rate more than sedentary screen time or handheld controlled games. These games usually reach light-to-moderate intensity, but do not always reach the recommended moderate-to-vigorous physical activity level. It is best to think of active video games as one tool to keep in your larger toolbox of ways to keep your kids active, and not a replacement for outdoor play, sports, and social interactions.
Considerations for Active Video Games
When active video games can be useful.
- Children and teens who resist traditional exercise.
- Children and teens who don’t enjoy organized sports.
- Bad weather days or outdoor access is limited.
- Short brain breaks from homework or studying.
What are the limitations?
- Usually lower intensity than the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous daily physical activity.
- Adds to daily screen time (American Academy of Pediatrics screen time recommendations).
- Novelty effect: excitement and engagement may decline after a few weeks.
- Not a substitute for traditional and outdoor play.
Tips to make active video games count.
- Use active video games to replace sedentary screen time, not active play time.
- Encourage youth to fully engage in the game and keep moving the whole time.
- Choose games that require full body movements.
- Play as a family!
Active gaming is best utilized as a supplement, or in addition to, other moderate-to-vigorous physical activities. Encouraging a mixture of all movement will help youth meet their daily guidelines and build lifelong habits of being active.
References
- Moller, A. C., Sousa, C. V., Lee, K. J., Alon, D., & Lu, A. S. (2023). Active Video Game Interventions Targeting Physical Activity Behaviors: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of medical Internet research, 25, e45243.
- Biddiss E, Irwin J. Active Video Games to Promote Physical Activity in Children and Youth: A Systematic Review. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2010;164(7):664–672. doi:10.1001/archpediatrics.2010.104
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2025, May 22). Screen time guidelines.
