Virtual Soccer Experiment Bonds Strangers

Thanks to BBC News for its article discussing a virtual reality game using a soccer ball and an 'exertion interface', as devised by MIT's Media Lab Europe in Dublin. The article explains: "Breakout for Two uses video conferencing over broadband to create a virtual 'glass wall' players have to break down with a ball." According to researcher Dr Stefan Agamanolis: "It was designed... to show how remote strangers can bond and feel more at ease with each other more rapidly when they have to exert themselves physically, rather than when relying on 'traditional' electronic communication, like instant messaging or e-mail", and he further explained: "When you get into that state of arousal, you are more likely to be able to bond socially with other people around you."

Comments

I see a new type of dating service...

[BeatdownGeek]

"When you get into that state of arousal, you are more likely to be able to bond socially with other people around you."

So is this a good way for slashdot geeks to meet girls?? Sweet!

...

Oh wait, it said "physical exertion"... Nevermind.

Soccer bonding

[Anonymous Coward]

Yes, soccer is such a bonding thing in the US:

"Joe, do you like soccer?"

"Why no, it really sucks"

"Sure does. How 'bout them Rams?"

It's Breakout, but not as we knowit Jim

[BeerCat]

The article states that it is based on the old game Breakout, and even gives a picture here

I don't remember Breakout being like Wallace and Gromit beating off the sheep in A close Shave, or am I showing my "We used to dream of Breakout against sheep. When I were a lad, all we had were a few blocks on a screen. And the colour was stuck on top. And we were grateful."