News : Jillian Michaels brings fitness know-how to Wii

By David Ward

SAN DIEGO (Hollywood Reporter) - Game publisher Majesco Entertainment has announced a partnership with celebrity fitness trainer Jillian Michaels for an exercise-themed video game for the Nintendo Wii.

"Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009," slated for a holiday release, leverages the motion-based Wii system and Balance Board accessory to create a title that combines solid game play with a fitness regimen, advice and exercise techniques provided by Michaels, the strength trainer and life coach on NBC's "The Biggest Loser."

"I truly think this type of product will be instrumental in revolutionizing the fitness industry and will help combat the childhood obesity epidemic in this country," Michaels said.

Thanks to the popularity of the Nintendo Wii and its emphasis on physically active game play -- and last month's successful release of the "Wii Fit" game and Balance Board accessory -- exer-gaming is quickly emerging as a hot category.

Majesco CEO Jesse Sutton said the title is aimed squarely at the growing casual gaming audience, especially women. He said exer-gaming should create a growing opportunity for fitness celebrities, especially those who already have made their mark on TV and DVD.

"Exercise and entertainment have gone hand in hand over the past 20 years," he said. "So we think bringing that to games is the next big step."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter