Microsoft introduces Xbox 360 kiosks to US hospitals

by Stevie Smith - Apr 24 2008, 15:59

In a charitable move that will also do its public image no harm whatsoever, American software behemoth Microsoft Corp. has announced a videogame-inspired partnership with non-profit child and family support organisation the Companions in Courage Foundation.

Microsoft introduces Xbox 360 console kiosks to US hospitals. Credit: Microsoft.

According to the partnership, hundreds of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 videogame kiosks are to be integrated into hospital playrooms across the United States in order to provide sick and recovering children with free access to fun, interactive entertainment.Relying on the media versatility of the Xbox 360, the wealth of new kiosks will give kids the opportunity to access select videogame titles, movies and television content. Also, the hugely popular online gaming aspect of Microsoft’s home console will deliver a specially implemented private network through the Xbox Live service so that hospitalised children across the US can play and chat together in a safety-enhanced environment.“Microsoft is committed to keeping kids entertained in a variety of ways within a safer gaming environment, so partnering with Companions in Courage to offer children in hospitals a way to connect through something as universal as games is a natural fit for the work we do,” enthused Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices division. “The goal for this program is to give these kids a chance to have some fun and just be kids.”The “Lion’s Den” Xbox 360 console kiosks come pre-loaded with a selection of Y-rated television content, G-rated feature films, and plenty of videogames rated from ‘E for Everyone’ to ‘E10+’. Microsoft is also providing each kiosk with an Xbox 360 headset and Xbox Live Vision Camera for more immersive gaming and communication through the Xbox Live service.Thanks to the introduction of specific hospital-based Live network settings and the Xbox 360’s “industry-leading parental controls,” playroom kiosk access can be restricted in terms of actual log-on time for patients, while interactive safety levels are bolstered by voice, text and video chat features being limited to select participating hospitals.“Entertainment, creativity and personal connections can be important factors in alleviating some of the isolation and discomfort these children experience each day,“ commented Companions in Courage founder and NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine regarding the partnership. “Xbox 360 offers young patients a fun escape through games, TV shows, movies and positive interactions with others over the Xbox Live network. These gaming stations are a perfect complement to the interactive playrooms.”Learn more about the Companions in Courage organisation by visiting the official Web site.