Tools- of Changes

Digital Pets Boost Daily Activity by More Than 20%.

BitPet players were, on average, more than 20% more physically active on the days they played the game.

According to a master's thesis at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), a mobile game can make physical activity more enjoyable. Two master's students investigated how the mobile game "BitPet" affects physical activity, motivation and social well-being. The three-week study involved 51 participants and combined questionnaires, interviews, step counts and activity data collected through the game itself. "One of the clearest findings was that the virtual pet became an important source of motivation for many participants. The sense of responsibility for the pet, combined with step points, progression, in-game resources and photo competitions, encouraged many people to be a little more physically active," says Alf Inge Wang, one of the game's founders.