Games for Health Conference Reveals Gingold, PlayStation Move Keynotes

Games for Health Conference organizers have revealed the keynote lineup for its sixth annual serious games-focused event, with speakers including Spore designer Chaim Gingold and Sony senior researcher Dr. Richard Marks. On May 26th, Marks will discuss the relationships between gaming, play, and exercise, particularly in relation to his work on Sony's upcoming motion-sensing peripheral PlayStation Move. Marks will also explore exercise's role in Sony's previously released EyeToy and PlayStation Eye peripherals. Chaim Gingold will follow with his keynote speech "The Human Play Machine" on May 27th. Gingold will discuss how existing game genres map onto the human brain and body, and will explain how design decisions affect player attraction and in-game behavior. Games for Health 2010 will feature over 40 sessions from 60 speakers covering topics such as exergaming, rehabilitation, physical therapy, disease management, health behavior change, medical training, nutrition and health education. This year's event will additionally host the debut of "Out & About," which organizers describe as "the first ever event dedicated to the creation and distribution of serious games on mobile platforms." The 2010 Games for Health Conference, part of Games Beyond Entertainment Week, will be held on May 26th and 27th at the Hyatt Harborside Hotel in Boston. Early registration is available at the event's official website until May 10th.