The health benefits of video games have begun to be recognized by the public slowly but surely, as the viral popularity of games like Dance Dance Revolution have provided the public with a different image of gamers.
But some are still skeptical, and yet more are convinced that a few "healthy" indulgences here or there don't change the nature of video games as a whole.
But recent developments in the gaming industry are starting to turn critics' heads.
At this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, many new pieces of hardware were unveiled from big names in the industry like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft.
Their 3DS, Move, and Kinect systems are set to revolutionize not only the public's image of gamers but the nature of the games and gamers themselves.
The 3DS, despite having a capability to display 3D video, doesn't seem at first glance to be a revolution in healthy gaming.
It's Nintendo's attitude toward gamers that's changing.
Nintendo launched its first truly user-friendly console with the Nintendo Wii, but with the release of the 3DS says that they intend to reach out to the casual gaming population even more.
Nintendo's intentions are clear-to broaden their audience.
This means games that are easier to play, that include gimmicks that appeal to the common man-and that includes being health-friendly.
Puzzle games, educational games, hobby games...
Nintendo's repertoire has been growing slowly over the past few years.
If they intend to set the bar any higher, Nintendo is going to have to start reaching critics' ears.
Sony's new Move controller is coming out with a wave of new exercise games.
With Sony's huge library of titles, a Wii-sized revolution is sure to take place.
When Nintendo revealed their Wii controller, parents everywhere jumped for joy-finally an excuse to get kids off the couch.
But the Move is even more advanced.
Being released later than the Wii, there has been much more time to develop the motion-sensing technology, and the quality of Move's technology is available without add-ons like Wii Motion Plus.
Move is a complete package, and Sony's attempt to reach out to the casual population of gamers may just signal the turning of a new leaf for the company, who in the past has provided hardcore titles and expensive hardware.
Now, Kinect is where it gets serious.
Kinect isn't just a motion-sensing controller-Microsoft is marketing it as a "human controller.
" The system is essentially a camera that monitors motion over the entire human body.
Fitness games are already announced, and casual games that involve movement are also on the way.
Kinect gets the entire body active, and it's taken its time in being developed.
Initially revealed at last year's E3 code-named Project Natal, the product still had some bugs when it was shown to the public.
But Microsoft has taken the time to perfect the technology.
It's now set to be one of the most anticipated pieces of hardware released this year.
And with impressive demos already shown, it's impossible to imagine what will possibly be released in the future for this technology.
Dance and fitness games are set to ace this system, and influence the future of games and gamers.
What's particularly extraordinary about this year's gaming technology is not the hardware, but the mindsets of the companies behind them.
Game developers are reaching out.
That means we're looking at a new generation of gamers-a healthier generation of gamers.
And hopefully, critics and skeptics will be pleased with what they see.
As for long-time gamers, get ready for a new age, but don't ditch your controllers yet.
It will be a new, awesome age.
Just one look at this year's E3 demos will tell you that.