Would distance running video game, using real life variables and pro characters, be fun?

If you can use NikeFit or some other kinda phone data with the game, it could really takeoff.

This entire idea just might work and made some cash if you axe the running theme and made it Crossfit instead. Seems like the only time those idiots take a break from Facebooking their ab mirror shots and Fran times is to go do their stupid WOD.

In terms of an interface, you could make the character run by alternating hitting the left and right buttons on the stick/mouse/phone. Gives extra incentive for finishing the marathon in 2:00 vs. 4:00.

You think the game is fun until you go shoe shopping for your guy, and find out that Vibrams have the highest speed factor.

Cmon man, really? A distance running video game would be awful for so many reasons. From a business side, what's your demographic? 18-24 year olds who are avid gamers and distance runners? No way you're going to recoup even a fraction of the R&D it went into developing the game. Not to mention you'll be competing against well known, already established brands. What do you think little Johnny would want for Xmas, Call of Duty or the new 'Cross Country 2013' video game, featuring Galen Rupp? There's no question which one he would choose.

Furthermore, say your idea was plausible from the business side, what's the game play going to involve? Sit in front of your TV for hours tapping two buttons to make your character run? Ensure they're on a proper diet, stretch, core work? God, 75% of Americans can't even take care of themselves, what makes you think they would have any interest in ensuring a video game character abides by a runners lifestyle?

As for those mentioning HS of NCAAs as the basis for the game. You've taken a horrible idea and made it far worse, congratulations.

Wel, if its Farmville style, it can just start out as a free online game. A game like the one i suggested doesn't have to require a console to play, or need extensive graphics. And, compared to games that require extensive physics and R&D, a distance running game wouldn't. The number of movements is limited, so the physics would be simple. An average gaming studio could probably put a finished product together in a couple of months.

Game credits and add-ons can tie-in with NikeFit/Ipod or other downloadable running metrics tools. Incentives for meeting in-game objectives can be things such as coupons for discounts on running apparel that can be purchased offline.

You have to dream big to realize things.

The target demographic could be people from 18 to 68, simply because the type of gameplay is so simple and intuitive, and people in all age groups have an idea about what a healthy lifestyle should be like.

I made an rpg-style running game a while back, and I still work on it every once in a while. The premise is that you are a mediocre runner who gets set up with a mysterious coach who lives like a hermit and no one knows anything about, and he helps train you into becoming the best in the world. You have the option of performing different types of workouts, buying differing running gear, and of course using PEDs, all of which have a chance to hurt or help you in some ways (for instance, you can overtrain). There are a few different runners you have to race to complete the story line, and to simulate racing, I basically just show you the 200 splits with a 2 second delay. It gives a little bit of suspense (because the splits change based on whether or not you are strength or a kicker) but doesn't leave you yawning. It's still a work in progress, but it's got a multiplayer aspect too so you can race other players which is pretty fun. A few friends and I played it nonstop for like a week, but with no other people playing we ended up just hanging the spikes until I added more content, which I haven't yet.

did you use any OpenGL or DirectX or that thing that lets you make games quickly in C-sharp?

None of the above (assume you're thinking of XNA). I used a java applet with the built in java graphics libraries, since I didn't want to spend time on 3d models. It's made with 2D pokemon-esque graphics.

Bad Wigins wrote:

Rule #11 in creating a popular video game: Nobody likes true simulators, except some driving and flight sims.

Rule #1: there should be plenty of ways to KILL the other players.

If you want your running game to be popular, there should be weapons and powerups like Mario Kart, and it should be online multiplayer for lots of madcap fun.

If you want it to be more realistic, the weapons can be field event items that stray onto the track, javelins, discuses, shots, vault poles.

The powerups can be PED's. For extra stamina, pick up a blood bag or a shot of EPO. For speed, pick up some ephedrine or steroids. Pick up HGH to spend on recovery between races.

There's probably already some Kart clones that could be easily modded into this exact game.

Fantastic Idea. I would love to play this. A Mario Kart racing game with runners, drug power ups, and weapons. Only way to make distance running interesting.

just update Daley Thompson's decathlon from the 80s