Fitness gaming (also called exergaming or gamified fitness) means video games where real physical movement is how you play or how you progress: your steps, runs or workouts become moves, rewards and story. On phones, most fitness games read steps or workouts from Apple Health or Health Connect, so you play while you go about your day.
The main kinds of fitness games
| Kind | How you play | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Motion-controlled console games | Move in front of a console or controller at home | Ring Fit Adventure, Wii Fit |
| Location-based games | Walk to real places on a GPS map | Pokémon Go |
| Step-powered games | Your daily step count becomes game progress, indoors or out | Monster Walk |
| Pace-based running games | Your running or walking pace drives the action | Run Legends |
| Fitness companion games | Steps and workouts unlock story, rewards and relationships | Pulse Match |
How do phone fitness games track movement?
Most phone fitness games don't count steps themselves. They ask permission to read the step count your phone already records: Apple Health (HealthKit) on iPhone, and Health Connect on Android. That's why a step-powered game like Monster Walk works without GPS or the camera, and counts steps you took before you opened the app.
Running games such as Run Legends also use your pace and distance during a session, so speeding up or slowing down changes what happens in the game.
What is interactive health?
Interactive health is the idea that health habits work better when they're something you take part in, not just something you log. Instead of a dashboard of numbers, you get a story, characters, goals and friends that respond to what you do. Fitness games are one form of interactive health: the game is the reason to take the walk.
How to choose a fitness game
- If you mostly walk, or move indoors: pick a step-powered game that doesn't need GPS, like Monster Walk.
- If you run or want a workout with friends: pick a pace-based game with co-op, like Run Legends.
- If you want motivation more than a challenge: a companion or story game like Pulse Match rewards showing up rather than intensity.
- Check the cost: all three Talofa games are free to download.
FAQ
Is fitness gaming the same as exergaming?
Yes. Exergaming, fitness gaming and gamified fitness all describe games where physical movement is how you play or progress.
Do fitness games need GPS?
Not always. Location-based games like Pokémon Go use GPS, but step-powered games like Monster Walk read your step count from Apple Health or Health Connect and work without GPS, including indoors.
Are fitness games free?
Many are free to download. Monster Walk, Run Legends and Pulse Match are free, with optional in-game purchases.
Related guides
- Ring Fit Adventure alternatives you can play on your phone
- Walking games that work without GPS (and indoors)
- Running games for iPhone and Android: turn your run into a battle
Talofa Games is a games-for-good company that makes fitness games: Monster Walk, Run Legends and Pulse Match. See key facts and sources.