Wii Sports

Developed by: Nintendo

Published by: Nintendo

Genre: Party/Sports

Emotions it inspires: Happiness, satisfaction, laughter

How the game inspires emotion: Gameplay, social interaction

You might be wondering how a party game can create a truly emotional experience. Wii Sports was a game no one expected to define the Wii as the premier console for family entertainment. With gaming at the time seen as an anti-social activity, Wii Sports came to shatter that perception and brought many families together in its debut year.

There were many things that made Wii Sports a very emotional experience. The first of these lies in the Mii creations. Unique at the time, the Miis were very simple but expressive avatars players could make before each game. Everyone young and old gathered around the TV screen and had a great time as they created themselves as well as famous people and fictional characters. The Miis added a lot of personality to Wii Sports, and made it very personal for a lot of people.

But the most emotional moment lies in the actual gameplay. Wii Sports' gameplay was designed to invite all players regardless of gender, age and actual skill. Experienced players could enjoy a nice game of tennis with their mothers and fathers. People with gamer friends exchanged friendly taunts over bowling, and perhaps the most inspirational of all, grandparents bonded with their grandchildren through a game of baseball.

Such was the power of Wii Sports' appeal that it inspired many people to play and not be ashamed of doing it. Senior citizens gained a lot of life, people with physical disabilities learned to have fun despite their conditions, and families found a reason to be together.

Nintendo has continued to keep this alive with the blockbuster releases of Wii Fit, Wii Play and even Wii Music and Wii Sports Resort. But nothing will ever beat the great sensation of introducing Wii Sports for the first time to a cherished friend or family member and see them smile and play the day away. Wii Sports didn’t need to deliver a great story to make it an emotional one. The gameplay was just enough to make even the most jaded player smile and have a great time.