A haunted house, shadow creatures, and a mission to rescue your grandmother might sound like your typical spooky adventure game. However, MindLight, developed by PlayNice, goes beyond the conventional. This action-adventure game is uniquely designed to help children manage stress and anxiety through the use of biofeedback.
But what exactly is biofeedback? It's a form of mind-body therapy that can enhance both physical and mental health. In MindLight, your emotions directly influence the gameplay. When you're calm, the dark mansion lights up, creating a safer environment. Conversely, if you're feeling anxious, the mansion remains shadowy and eerie, reflecting your inner state.
MindLight is More Than Just a Game
Co-developed by Dr. Isabela Granic, co-founder of PlayNice and a leading scientist, MindLight underwent several randomized control trials involving over a thousand children. The results were compelling: kids who played MindLight experienced at least a 50% reduction in anxiety levels.
The game's concept is straightforward yet engaging. You play as a child navigating your grandmother’s mansion, which is engulfed in shadows. By using a headset, the game monitors your brainwaves or heart rate in real-time. This biofeedback mechanism allows the light to guide you through the mansion and fend off the terrifying creatures lurking within.
Although primarily tested with children aged 8 to 12, PlayNice notes that even older kids and parents have found enjoyment and benefit from the game. Its ability to adapt to each player’s stress response in real-time ensures 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. PlayNice offers two subscription options—a single-child package and a family package that supports up to five players.
You can download MindLight from the Google Play Store, the Amazon store, the App Store, or directly from PlayNice’s website.
