Video game timer knows when to quit

Can't seem to get your kids to stop playing games? A 79-year-old Minnesota man is banking on it.

John Morrisey's invention, the GameDr, is making headlines as a potentially useful tool for parents sick of arguing with kids over play time.

The device is essentially a fancy version of a cooking timer. Parents simply program in a certain number of minutes or hours, at which time the password-protected GameDr shuts off power to the console entirely. Since it connects to your console's power cord, it can work with pretty much any system on the market.

Sound dogmatic? Surprisingly, Morrisey is hardly the anti-game grump you might expect.

Inventor John Morrissey lends parents a helping hand.

"Video games are great," he said. "There is evidence that they improve the reflexes and the thinking process. But right now, for many parents, the option is all or nothing -- they either let the kids play the video game or they take it away for two weeks."

But even Digital Illusions, the company selling Morrisey's invention, are aware that not everyone will be behind the new tech.

"There are moms who say they love this, and that they know 10 people who need one," said marketing director Kara Lineal. "And there are gamers who say it's terrible and that parents should just monitor their kids."

Some have also pointed out that the device isn't without some significant flaws. Gaming blog Gamepolitics points out that cagey kids can circumvent the GameDr by using a spare power cord, and so far, similar devices, like Hopscotch Technology's BOB, have failed to catch on.

So what do you think? Is the GameDr the perfect prescription or a total quack? Sound off in the comments.

Want a second opinion?

Not convinced that the GameDr is the right answer? Here are three other ways to curb your kids' runaway gaming habit:

Parental controls
If you happen to own an Xbox 360, you're in luck. The system comes with built-in parental controls that include a handy "Family Timer," which allows you to set the amount of time the console can be used on a daily or weekly basis. Check here for more info.

Use a normal egg timer.
Why drop $30 on a glorified egg timer when you probably have a perfectly good egg timer sitting in your kitchen? Give the kids a five minute warning, set the timer, and just pull the plug yourself.

Play along!
Most kids just aren't going to respond well when you ruthlessly cut the power from their toys. Instead of forcing them to interact with timers, why not get involved and try playing games together? Spending time with your kids is never a bad idea. Who knows -- you might even have fun.

Source: http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/plugged-in/video-game-timer-knows-when-to-quit/1333725