We are all busy people, but when we actually have free time, how do we spend it? For many of us, video games make the “When-There’s-Nothing-To-Do” list. So how much time do people spend on video games? Senior Johnathan Brockman said, “Sometimes it could be like 4-20 hours a week.” To put it in perspective, this is roughly 1 hour and a few minutes a each day devoted to controlers, wiimotes, and dance pads for any avid video game player. This doesn't even include other types of media that people induldge in. “I watch TV, listen to music, and get on the internet", Johnathan said. All of which, are part of the wonderful media systems we have in America, which require little to no movement. However, free time is free for a reason, and we can as Americans have every right to spend it how we choose.

So what media can we induldge in that stimulates both mind and body? While the Wii made it’s way onto the video game market in 2006 smashing Microsoft’s and Sony’s premier consoles in sales, Microsoft and Sony are striking back with the Xbox Kinect and the Playstation Move, both extenstions for their current consoles, both motion based games. These games allow people to dance, run, jump, and exercise with or with out a controler. While reviews are mixed, this gives a whole new meaning to what it means to be a gamer.

Exercise is good and fun, but what about learning something? Senior Dominic Brazeel said, “Rock Band has inspired me to be a musician.” Rock Band, a game in which players simulate playing a live concert with digital instruments, including digital drums, guitars, and even a karaoke function. “I was really able to get into the drums”, he said. “The Rock Band drums aren’t that different from real drums; there’s a ton of stuff to learn obviously but the basics are still there, so you can kind of get what drumming is.” Dominic, who drums for his own band now, is also an avid gamer, averaging 5-10 hours a week.

No matter what we choose to do in our free time, we always have a choice, and unlike the common stereotype, even gamers can have a life. Freshman Gary Fitzwater, a ten hour a week gamer, likes a balance of free time. Gary said, “I’m either at jazz choir, playing sports, or hanging out with friends.” While not a fan of motion games, Gary likes to stay active in more traditional ways.

Everyone has different hobbies and activities they enjoy, but we all can enjoy them together. Johnathan said, “I can’t play games alone--it’s just not fun.” All of these gamers have one thing in common: no matter what they choose to do after school, they choose to do it with friends. Since many games are online now, these people often play games like “Halo: Reach” together. It’s nice to know that even in this age of high tech miracles, friendship is still the one game that no one will switch off.