Dance makes you p.h.a.t.
- posted: 12 June 2007
- scrollarts@byui.edu
In 1998, a video game series hit arcades in Japan and started a revolution a Dance Dance Revolution. The game broke precedence in the arcade industry by producing two notable side-effects: instant popularity and health benefits. Since its original release, thousands of Dance Dance Revolution machines have made their way into Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America, and schools are now promoting the game as a form of exercise for teens.
DDR’s success in Japan was nearly instantaneous.
“The result of the release [was] line-ups across Japan of one hour or more on average, and [the craze] showed no signs of letting up even months after its initial release,” according to www.AaronInJapan.com, a popular fan Web site.
The original game had nine songs, but by 2007, versions of DDR have more than 1,000 songs to choose from. Ninety editions of the game have been released, which is an average of nine editions per year.
The game consists of a screen and one or two dance pads, on which players step to the beat of techno or other dance music. Arrows on the screen correspond to the arrows on the dance pads, and players must step on the correct arrows at the correct tempo to receive a score.
Unlike many video games that receive criticism from the health-conscious, DDR has been praised for its effect on aerobic exercise and weight loss among players. According to the New York Times, “The blood-pumping video game Dance Dance Revolution [is] the latest weapon in the nation’s battle against the epidemic of childhood obesity,” according to the New York Times.
Schools across various countries are installing DDR arcades in an effort to encourage exercise among students.
“Based on current plans, more than 1,500 schools are expected to be using the game by the end of the decade,” wrote the New York Times.
DDR is responsible for the formation of clubs, tournaments, and fanatic Web sites all over the world. One of the most popular fan sites, www.DDRFreak.com, which boasts over 50,000 members, hosts forums where fans can discuss tactics, and lists tournaments held throughout the world.
Additionally, DDRFreak lists locations where DDR machines can be found, in case one needs to find a machine in an unfamiliar city. According to the site, there are 14 DDR arcade machines in Idaho, including three in Idaho Falls.
Dance Dance Revolution has become one of the most popular video games of the 21st century. It is available at various arcades as well as on home systems. 
