Scatter!: a mobile non-parallel multiplayer exertion game

Mobile exertion games offer potential to increase physical activity levels by combining exercise with play. Yet, studies indicate that engagement and use of these games wane over time, reducing their effectiveness for promoting healthy physical activity and long-term behavior change. In this paper, we discuss the importance of non-parallel and multiplayer play modes as mechanisms to increase teen motivation to engage in non-exercise forms of physical activity. We conclude with an introduction to Scatter, a new mobile exertion game emphasizing non-parallel gameplay.