A haunted house, shadow creatures, and a mission to rescue your grandmother might sound like a typical spooky adventure game. But MindLight, developed by PlayNice, goes beyond the ordinary. This action-adventure game is designed to help kids manage stress and anxiety through the use of biofeedback.
So, what exactly is biofeedback? It's a mind-body therapy that can enhance both physical and mental well-being. In MindLight, your emotions are woven into the gameplay fabric. When you're calm, the dark mansion brightens up, but if you're feeling anxious, it remains shadowy and eerie.
MindLight: More Than Just a Game
MindLight was co-developed by Dr. Isabela Granic, co-founder of PlayNice and the lead scientist behind several randomized control trials. These trials involved over a thousand children and demonstrated that those who played MindLight experienced at least a 50% reduction in anxiety.
The game's storyline is straightforward: you play as a child exploring your grandmother's mansion, which has been engulfed by shadows. By using a headset, the game monitors your brainwaves or heart rate in real-time. The light you generate helps you navigate the mansion and fend off terrifying creatures.
Although primarily tested with children aged 8 to 12, PlayNice reports that older kids and even parents have found the game engaging. Since MindLight adapts to each player's stress response in real-time, it offers a personalized and dynamic experience for everyone.
Getting Started with MindLight
To dive into MindLight, you'll need two things: the Neurosky MindWave 2 EEG headset and a subscription to the game. There are two subscription options available—one for a single child and another for families with up to five players.
You can download MindLight from the Google Play Store, Amazon store, App Store, or directly from PlayNice's website.
