So far, the field has largely credited exergames with two things: combining physical and cognitive demands in one activity, and keeping people engaged better than conventional exercise or rehabilitation. The chapter argues that this undersells them. When they are purposefully developed, the design options serious exergames offer open up far more — above all the ability to tailor training to the individual and to keep it close to real life, in ways conventional approaches cannot match.
To get there, the chapter presents the methodological and conceptual frameworks for building the next generation of serious exergames: purposefully designed, grounded in theory, and shaped by the people who will use them from the very first step. That is the paradigm shift away from entertainment with a health label attached — and it is the shift Stepwave is built on.
It closes with an outlook on the technological advances ahead, and how they can help unlock the full potential of exergame-enhanced interventions for individuals and for public health.
