If you want an example of how the videogames market has changed dramatically over the past few years thanks mostly to Nintendo, look no further than GameStop’s new “Sharpen the Mind, Shape the Body” in-store promotion.
In a press release sent out to the media today, GameStop “announced” that it currently caries more than 40 fitness-oriented titles in its retail stores. Games mentioned include Wii Fit, My Fitness Coach, Jillian Michael’s Fitness Ultimatum 2009, Brain Age, and … My Japanese Coach. It’s interesting to note, but not surprisingly, that all of these games are Wii or Nintendo DS titles.
To sweeten the fitness deal, anyone who spends more than $34.99 on specially designated fitness products between now and February 22 will receive a year’s subscription to magazine’s like Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, O Magazine.
And then there’s GameStop’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Mike Hogan who says: “We know that getting in shape is one of the toughest New Year’s resolutions to stick with, especially for busy moms who often don’t have time to spare for exercise.”
If this isn’t some of the most sexist, profiling bulls**t I’ve read in awhile. So what you’re saying Mike, is that working fathers have plenty of time to stick to their fitness resolutions while fat, out-of-shape mothers are too busy making dinner and picking up their kids from soccer practice to get to the gym? Because, you know, dads don’t do any of that stuff or want to play these types of games; they just want to shoot stuff.
Men and women … they’re so predictable!
Gear up for Overall Fitness in 2009
GameStop Showcases Games Designed to Shape Both Body and Mind
GRAPEVINE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Are you looking for an alternative to working out at a gym for shaping up in the New Year? GameStop (NYSE: GME), the world’s largest video game and entertainment software retailer, encourages would-be fitness enthusiasts to embrace video games in their effort to shape up in 2009. By highlighting popular gaming titles that burn calories and exercise the brain, GameStop can show anyone dreading the prospect of the gym these alternative fitness methods that are both easy to follow and fun.
With the recent surge in active video games, which require players to either mimic the actions used in sports like bowling, tennis and baseball, or to flex their most important muscle – the brain – GameStop has more than 40 fitness-oriented titles for staying in shape from head to toe. GameStop’s “Sharpen the Mind, Shape the Body” in-store promotion emphasizes the growing number of active video game options available to help reach personal goals including:
Wii Fit with Balance Board
My Fitness Coach
Jillian Michaels’ Fitness Ultimatum 2009
Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day
My Japanese Coach
As a special incentive, shoppers spending $34.99 or more on designated products from now through Feb. 22 will receive a free 12-month trial subscription to their choice of Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, O Magazine and more.“We know that getting in shape is one of the toughest New Year’s resolutions to stick with, especially for busy moms who often don’t have time to spare for exercise,” said Mike Hogan, Senior Vice President of Marketing, GameStop. “Today’s moms are looking for ways to incorporate exercise into their lifestyle. Active video games are a terrific way to reach your fitness goals, and as an added bonus, they can be enjoyed with your whole family.”
