What is THE XR GAMES?
THE XR GAMES is a physically interactive video gaming league. THE XR GAMES is an approved extra-curricular program offered to all qualified K through 12 students in Arizona by Westwind Preparatory Academy, a non–profit high school located in Phoenix, Arizona. The league measures physical activity and rewards points for playing almost any game on any gaming system. Teknik Digital Arts, Inc. is the contracted administrator of the league.
What Video Games and Gaming Systems are used in the in THE XR GAMES?
Almost all games and gaming systems are eligible for use in league play. This would include consoles and games for the Xbox, Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 2 and 3, Nintendo GameCube and Wii or any PC.
What are the health benefits of the XR GAMES?
The XR GAMES promotes light to moderate physical activity that burns calories (ranging between 65 to 750 an hour) and can build muscle using certain game controllers such as the XR STATION...
How does THE XR GAMES work?
The XR Games is the first physically interactive online video game league in the U.S. Once the player is a member and has received his/her FREE video games, console and other game accessories of their choice, the player logs in and league software is downloaded. This software allows the league to award activity or BURN points while the player is playing his favorite video games. Each game and console has different BURN point levels. For example while playing certain Wii games the player would accumulate 125 BURN points per hour. Playing the DDR on the XBOX 360 would generate 750 BURN points per hour. These BURN points are awarded and posted in the player’s account. BURN points are actually equated to how many calories are being burned while playing. The player scores by earning BURN points and winning or losing the game. The league offers single-play competition, individual one-on-one and four-person team leagues. Most qualifying competitions will be played online with monthly, quarterly, and annual championship events at a specific location.
Why THE XR GAMES, a Physically Interactive video game league, now?
Video gaming is becoming America's national pastime and is a major contributor to a sedentary lifestyle and the obesity epidemic.
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, intake of unhealthy foods and a decrease in physical activity has lead to: 1 of 3 children who are either obese or overweight 2 of 3 adults who are either obese or overweight
Additionally, 53 million Americans play video games three or more hours per day. We believe that the use of the XR STATION and participation in THE XR GAMES health community are the start of the solution to the childhood obesity epidemic.
How much does membership in THE XR GAMES cost?
For an enrolled Arizona student between the grades of Kindergarten to 12 all costs for the league are reimbursed by the State of Arizona under ARS 43-1089. In other words membership is virtually FREE and the league gives $1500 to purchase the games, consoles and accessories to qualified players for use in league play.
What is the Arizona Education Tax Credit and how does it work with XR Station league play?
Fees paid to participate in the extracurricular activity known as THE XR GAMES (Westwind Preparatory Academy) qualify for a credit against your Arizona State Income Tax bill. This means that an individual can claim up to a $200.00 tax credit and a married couple can claim up to a $400.00 tax credit. The Arizona tax credit also allows you carry forward the credit for 5 years. We have just offered the player and his sponsor/parents a way to finance 5 years worth of the tax credit, or $2000 for immediate use for THE XR GAMES. Please check with your tax advisor and see how this applies to your situation. We believe you can also deduct this as a donation on your federal income tax. We can help you finance your refundable donation through our network partner Leaf Networks and GE Capital.
Where can I join THE XR GAMES?
Starting in November 2007, players can register for the league online at www.thexrgames.com Once you have registered, we will send you a gift card to purchase the necessary games, consoles and accessories you need to participate in the league. These cards can be from Gamestop, Best Buy, Walmart, Fry’s Electronics, etc., anywhere you normally get your video gaming products. You let us know which store card you want.
Any questions, call 1-866-XRGMERS (974-3677).