EA Sports looking to outsweat Wii Fit?

Source: Muscle-obsessed monthly Men's Fitness, of all places.

What we heard: Last week, gamers perusing newsstands were flummoxed to find the Take-Two Interactive chairman Strauss Zelnick plastered on the cover of Men's Fitness. Typically the domain of ultimate fighters, professional athletes, and the occasional buffed-out rapper, the magazine decided to highlight Zelnick's cyclist and fitness enthusiasm as a way to segue into an article on games. Ironically, though, the executive isn't even mentioned in the piece, titled "Virtual Fitness: Tomorrow's Reality."

Instead, Men's Fitness correspondent David Kushner examines how two publishers are blending exercise and gameplay. The first, Nintendo, is fairly obvious, thanks to the triple-platinum sensation that is Wii Fit. Second up is Electronic Arts, which has been emphasizing the Wii with its family-friendly--and fairly controversial--line of All-Play sports games.

That said, the All-Play series' intent is to level the playing field between casual and hardcore gamers, not burn calories. That's where EA Sports executive producer Dave McCarthy comes in. Four months after first revealing that EA was pondering affordable, bundled peripherals for its sports games, the industry veteran elaborated on his employer's plans.

"We [at EA] think we can take a more Western approach to fitness, something a little more active that gets you moving," he said. McCarthy then described how EA is planning a new peripheral for an unnamed fitness game which will fasten Wii Remotes to players' bodies. Besides position, the add-on will help the Wii Remote "measure intensity, how strong your thrusts are, [and] how high you jump."

Currently, the Wii Fit board does not let players jump into the air but does let players squat and stand up quickly for its ski jump event. And while Wii Fit does let players hold the Wii Remote or stick it in their pockets to run in place, EA's peripheral will apparently be suited to a wider range of exercises. Players will use the device to "strap the remotes to their arms or legs to facilitate more athletic movements, from running to jumping jacks." As a consequence, the remotes will measure a "more authentic, full range of motions."

The official story: EA Sports reps had not returned requests for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus. According to many critics, Wii Fit is an ambitious but flawed attempt to get gamers off their posteriors. Given its gangbusters sales, EA likely figures it has nothing to lose--and millions to gain--by working up its own workout game.

53 Comments

  • JackHoleFace00

    Posted Mar 22, 2009 3:40 am PT

    Oh nice. I'll just put this next to my Wii Balance Board, Wii Classic Controller, Wii nun-chuck attachment, Wii Zapper, Wii racing wheel, Wii tennis racket, Wii golf club, Wii charging station, Wii Speak Microphone, and Wii kitchen sink.

  • Keitha313

    Posted Nov 10, 2008 3:51 am PT

    Maverick... Im not speaking for myself on this one as i partioally agree with you, But some people may be slightly overweight and dont feel confident on doing it in the public so these games are a good start off... Whilst also having fun it never really goes wrong does it?...
    I also think EA are right to be trying new things what good is it if we are constantly stuck with the same games year after year we need changes now and then and you know what EA say to that "YES WE CAN" sorry couldnt help myself lol.

  • ninjarat

    Posted Nov 10, 2008 3:50 am PT

    EA have a habit of doing a couple of good games, then it all goes a bit wrong.

  • 2ndWonder

    Posted Nov 10, 2008 12:37 am PT

    I don't think that EA can pull something like this off, imo, they should stick with the games that they have already been making.

  • fennec_fox

    Posted Nov 8, 2008 5:18 pm PT

    Would be very good to have a more elaborate workout regimen from EA, but on one condition - have an option to use an existing Wii Fit Balance Board with their game. It would bum me out to have to buy yet another periferal just to be able to play their game...

  • maverick_76

    Posted Nov 7, 2008 5:00 pm PT

    Wow, why don't people just go outside and play sports if they want to get in shape? Not only will you get buff, you will become tanned as well.

  • tudyniuz

    Posted Nov 2, 2008 10:18 am PT

    EA is constantly trying to get our money for bad merchandise

  • zgreenwell

    Posted Oct 31, 2008 5:40 am PT

    Wii Fit is a great idea that obviously the market was ready for, but that doesn't mean its a great fitness tool. If EA can make something better then I'd appreciate it. Meanwhile that balance board is just one more Wii accessory not getting used.

  • dj_b02us

    Posted Oct 30, 2008 8:23 am PT

    more western? which means youll just sit on the wii fit board and eat. XP Is there any genre of game EA wont pee all over with their lameness?

  • mylsd

    Posted Oct 30, 2008 6:47 am PT

    "Men's Fitness correspondent David Kushner" the Velvet Revolver guitarist?? probably not, here's hoping they make a good game, and "Given its gangbusters sales" wow I thought my 60 year old mother in law was the only one to use the adjective gangbusters, here's hoping that makes a come back.

  • Toro_Nev

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 8:00 pm PT

    I agree with most people here. They are all in it for the money =[ I wish they would make a more serious sports game for the Wii.

  • Nintendo_Man

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 6:17 pm PT

    I guess they didn't learn their lessons after All-Fail, Boogie and EA Playground all bombed.

  • BLuFAlc0n

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 4:31 pm PT

    EA is one of those companies that make games just for money, they've never cared about the quality of the game. Games they have might be some of the best-sellers, but it'll never beat Mario and Pokemon! lol, Sims is their biggest franchise, and I don't see any games made by EA that got the 'Game of the Year' award, but I never said EA sux, EA are actually awesome, but I couldn't find a special game made by EA. (Apart from NBA Street V3)

  • tudyniuz

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 3:37 pm PT

    I hate EA

  • kkkkknaruto

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 1:56 pm PT

    do u really need a wii remote in your hands to do jumping jacks and runnin or anything else for that matter?

  • intoblivion

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 12:24 pm PT

    lol is Wii Fit really a game more of a........... whats the word............ Pain

  • Expo_Smacko

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 10:36 am PT

    lol

  • 360player_eq12

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 10:31 am PT

    it might "out sweat" wii fit but it wont out sell it.

  • RandyAU93

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 10:20 am PT

    To those whose responses were basically "just go to a gym" ... I use Wii Fit, I enjoy Wii Fit *and* I do hit the gym 3 times a week. I also walk around a local lake for about 3 miles once a week, and I visit the area's many theme parks, which usually involves 10-12 hours of nearly continuous motion.

    A lot of people (present company included) tend to feel intimidated by a gym setting, and some gyms almost cater to that, being more social gathering places than fitness centers. On the opposite end, you have gyms that appear to be almost purely for hardcore bodybuilders ... opposite end, but just as intimidating. So anything that gets people moving, whatever it may be, is a plus, pure and simple.

    I like what Miyamoto said about Wii Fit, that it gets you thinking about your health and wellness. That, ultimately, may be Wii Fit's greatest achievement.

  • tyzwain

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 9:59 am PT

    Sounds okay, but I reckon it'll cost a load when EA finally release it.

  • Skrilla_XS

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 9:34 am PT

    @ NovaSky:

    EA has money but to say they have more assets at their disposal because of the money they have is questionable. I'm not sure how much EA is worth right now but last year Nintendo's overall market value was over $53 billion. They were worth more than Sony who sells more than just video games. So to say that EA has more money than Nintendo is also saying that EA has more money than Sony, which I doubt. However, EA isn't as restricted to working wihtin the confines of the Mii nonsense that Nintendo incorporates into games like the Wii Fit. So the politics may lead EA to have a more diverse game.

  • DullBozer posted Oct 29, 2008 9:07 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    DullBozer

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 9:07 am PT (hide)

    Wii fit is a joke, hope they improve on the concept.

  • gooflee

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 8:58 am PT

    thorsen-ink fails at writing articles. "According to many critics, Wii Fit is an ambitious but flawed attempt to get gamers off their posteriors." The link is for the Gamespot review of the game. This doesn't provide evidence to back-up this statement.

  • 2bitSmOkEy

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 8:42 am PT

    lets just rip everything and anything off. if it makes green. rip it off! way to go ea!

  • NovaSky

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 8:38 am PT

    Never forget that EA has money, enough to make their own system if they wanted. They will definitely have access to more stuff and better fitness trainers than Nintendo, just cause of money and politics. They most likely will be sponsored by Mens Health or some widely know fitness magazine, site or gym. Not saying it will be good, but they'll definitely have more at their disposal.

  • aBathingApe_

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 7:32 am PT

    Great business sense by EA on wanting in on this market. However, I think Nintendo has it beat. The All-Play games don't sell nearly as well as Wii Fit does and the same goes with the Active Life thing in comparison to Wii Fit. Wii Fit sells so well because it is a scale/bmi/graphing machine/game to lose weight/exercise all in one, and its affordable to the average household. Gym memberships and home equipment are expensive. This is $250 for a Wii and $90 for a Wii Fit, and not to mention many households already own Wiis, there is even less to spend. Gym memberships are upwards of $300-400 p/yr. This lasts forever. I'm not a huge Wii Fit player or anything, but I can definitely see the draw for its demographic.

  • kenic

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 6:35 am PT

    are you complaining that these games make move get off the couch too play, or that they don't do enough to alleviate your current needs like bathroom support and food (and other distractions)? sj_nehama said

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 3:56 am PT

    this is ridiculous. want to lose some weight? go to a gym, enter a diet, go do some sports like swimming. dont have time? buy one of those gym machines and stuff it on your room.

    When i sit to play i want to play, not to sweat like a pig.
    I dont even want the console to process my movements and spoil my perfect aim.

    Maybe after this they come up with things to feed you up while gaming, and while at it, some portable wc so you can s**t in there too. Hell, why not make peripherals to take care of all your biological needs,so that you can play in peace and not to worry about all those distractions?

  • CanesThing26

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 6:13 am PT

    **** EA it takes then so many years till they put out a decent game. last great EA game i played was skate. EA are just a bunch of scumbags who don't know WTF there doing. plus this is being made by EA sports so you already know if going to be half assed.all games by EA sports suck.why the **** they hired that scumbag from M$ is beyond me. Moore probably never played sports in his life. and it shows in there games. fifa year in and year out is just down right garbage just like college football and madden there pure ****ing garbage

  • LosDaddie

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 6:07 am PT

    Great news!

    I'll pre-order this game the first day it's officially announced!!

  • da_chub

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 5:54 am PT

    Just another of many, many example of how everything trashes nintendo for doing something "out of the box", and then they try to copy it. Try to do something original, not make a cheap knock off hoping to capitilize on Nintendos market.

  • xgalacticax

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 4:23 am PT

    Wii fit maybe good but it isnt my cup of tea. Until they add Wii weights and Wii treadmill to it that is

  • sj_nehama posted Oct 29, 2008 3:56 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    sj_nehama

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 3:56 am PT (hide)

    this is ridiculous. want to lose some weight? go to a gym, enter a diet, go do some sports like swimming. dont have time? buy one of those gym machines and stuff it on your room.

    When i sit to play i want to play, not to sweat like a pig.
    I dont even want the console to process my movements and spoil my perfect aim.

    Maybe after this they come up with things to feed you up while gaming, and while at it, some portable wc so you can s**t in there too. Hell, why not make peripherals to take care of all your biological needs,so that you can play in peace and not to worry about all those distractions?

  • KyoValdez

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 2:02 am PT

    All yall will be coming together like butt-chick.

  • ColdfireTrilogy posted Oct 28, 2008 11:09 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    ColdfireTrilogy

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 11:09 pm PT (hide)

    one word: Shovelware ... welcome to the gaming of tomorrow all you wii supporters did this and i will blame you from now till eternity.

  • Inconnux

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 10:23 pm PT

    EA making it??? No thanks...

  • Meta-Gnostic posted Oct 28, 2008 10:11 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    Meta-Gnostic

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 10:11 pm PT (hide)

    I just hope Nintendo and EA can keep making enough casual games to fill my casual appetite.

  • Adam_the_Nerd

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 9:41 pm PT

    hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
    just go hit the gym.

  • Negemite

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 9:14 pm PT

    Don't do it EA Sports! Go make a Burnout Wii instead and I've been wanting this for a while and WHY YOU WON"T MAKE IT!?

  • Proman84 posted Oct 28, 2008 8:16 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    Proman84

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 8:16 pm PT (hide)

    Well, considering that Wii Fit was not exactly a masterpiece I say go for it.

  • CPM_basic

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 8:13 pm PT

    lol strappign wii motes to your arms and legs is going to look so rediculous. go to the gym or go outside and get some real exercise... this is just sad. why do i need wiimotes stuck to my arms to do jumping jacks.

  • wiifan001

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 7:54 pm PT

    Sorry, this will never work really successfully its first time through if it ever happens. I don't really like this approach, not from EA.

  • blankshore

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 7:43 pm PT

    I don't know about this. I really liked Tiger Woods and Madden 09 All Play, but a fitness game? From EA I don't know if it'll work

  • RandyAU93

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 7:27 pm PT

    I love how people keep bashing Wii Fit ... it was never meant to be the be-all and end-all in fitness games for the console. It was the freebie packed in with the $90 Balance Board. Whoever does release the first standalone fitness game (EA, or a rumored game endorsed by a "Biggest Loser" winner ... which may be the same game, for all we know) will easily have more features than Wii Fit, because all the development resources are devoted to the software, not the already-designed hardware.

  • Suuji

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 7:24 pm PT

    another balance board? no way.

  • ocdog45

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 6:51 pm PT

    not happening

  • dchan01 posted Oct 28, 2008 6:34 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    dchan01

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 6:34 pm PT (hide)

    Good luck pulling off new peripherals. If you look at the history of video game peripherals, there is nearly 0 chance they will be financially successful.

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