Wii gamers to move characters by jogging

A Liverpool-based firm has unveiled a new device for the Wii that allows gamers to move on-screen characters by jogging on the spot.

New Concept Gaming's jOG detects when a player takes a step and converts that movement into the game, with direction and other functions still controlled by the Wii Remote and Nunchuk.

The add-on, which has been designed as an aid to battle obesity, works with any game involving character movement and is seen as a way of expanding the Wii's already innovative control methods.

"Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in the Western world and many sedentary activities are being blamed, not least playing video games," said NCC's MD Brendan Ludden.

"jOG is a great way to banish those criticisms and help gaming be both fun and healthy. Liverpool John Moores University is undertaking significant research for us to measure the calorie-burn whilst using jOG and this information will be published shortly."

jOG is expected to retail for under £20 when it launches on October 31.