Pedal Tanks: A multiplayer exergame based on teamwork and competition

Abstract

This installation presents a multiplayer stationary bicycle exergame for four players. The game is played in teams of two, where the players compete to outmaneuver the opposition. Pedal Tanks is being developed to increase the physical activity levels of people struggling to find motivation to exercise. Inspiration for the gameplay has been found in the computer game industry, using elements from contemporary popular computer games and combining them in a cohesive way yields an exergame that is both familiar and engaging. Both the software and hardware used has been custom-made to create an immersive experience where the user forgets that he/she is exercising while playing.