14 DAY TRIAL // In all fairness, Microsoft's console, the Xbox 360 is by no means a panacea but, at the same time, the Redmond company hopes that it will deliver a positive impact on patients in children?s hospitals. In this regard, Microsoft has joined forces with nonprofit organization Companions in Courage Foundation, and revealed that it is committing a few hundreds of Xbox 360 game kiosks for the benefit of children?s hospitals across the U.S. Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft, is scheduled to attend the inauguration of the first group of Xbox 360 kiosks in Seattle.
"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. The goal for this program is to give these kids a chance to have some fun and just be kids," Bach explained.
Via the Xbox 360 kiosks in hospital playrooms across the U.S., hospitalized kids will be able to not only play a selection of games rated E and E10+, but also access Y-rated TV programs, G-rated movies, and even a private Xbox Live network. Morgan Stanley Children?s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, Children?s Hospital & Regional Medical Center of Seattle and the Children?s Hospital of Orange County are the first hospitals to receive Microsoft's Xbox 360 panacea.
"Entertainment, creativity and personal connections can be important factors in alleviating some of the isolation and discomfort these children experience each day. 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," said Companions in Courage founder and National Hockey League Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine.