Gaming News - March 2007

Redwood City, CA (March 14, 2007) - Konami today that it has partnered with Nexgym to make Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) a featured activity at all current and future locations.

From Konami:

As part of the agreement, kids ages 3-14 will be able to take advantage of the health and fitness benefits of Dance Dance Revolution at all Nexgym locations during interactive classes and open gym “exer-gaming” sessions. Konami will also promote DDR tournament events at existing Nexgym locations and in connection with the grand openings of future Nexgym franchises around the country.
 
“This agreement with Nexgym is the latest in a series of partnerships including the State of West Virginia public school system and 24 Hour Fitness, to showcase the health benefits of using Dance Dance Revolution,” said Clara Gilbert, Director of Business Partnerships at Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “DDR and Nexgym are a perfect fit, delivering an unparalleled mix of fitness and fun that get kids as young as 3 years old off the couch and playing to stay in shape.”
 
DDR and Nexgym both offer fun and positive solutions to the growing health and fitness challenges facing today’s children. Staffed with trained fitness experts who have a passion for working with kids, Nexgym locations offer Xtreme Birthday Parties, programs for children with special needs, nutritional guidance and custom fitness programs for children. Nexgym and Konami will feature DDR tournaments during Grand Opening celebrations.  Nexgym currently has locations open in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and anticipates opening more than 10 new franchises in Texas and major cities in other states in 2007.
 
“Joining the health and fitness benefits of DDR with the environment of a Nexgym is an unbeatable combination in helping kids stay in shape while having fun,” said Kevin Bolden, President, Nexgym Franchising Corporation. “By placing DDR in Nexgym locations we strive to help kids achieve their fitness goals in a non-intimidating and fun way.”
 
Dance Dance Revolution has created a fitness phenomenon that helps people of all ages use interactive video games to lose weight and achieve better health. Each version of DDR for home video game consoles has a Workout Mode that allows users to track calories burned and monitor their own fitness regiment. DDR has recently been introduced into the physical education curriculum in multiple school districts throughout the United States and is a valuable tool in numerous research studies in fighting childhood obesity.