If you think a haunted house, shadow creatures, and a mission to rescue your grandmother sounds like a typical spooky adventure game, think again. MindLight, developed by PlayNice, is an action-adventure game that goes beyond the thrill of gaming—it's designed to help kids manage stress and anxiety through biofeedback.
But what is biofeedback? It's a mind-body therapy that can enhance both your physical and mental well-being. In MindLight, your emotions are integrated into the gameplay. Stay calm, and the dark mansion will light up, making your journey less daunting. Feel anxious, and the mansion remains shadowy and eerie, reflecting your inner state.
MindLight: More Than Just a Game
MindLight was co-developed by Dr. Isabela Granic, co-founder of PlayNice and the lead scientist behind numerous randomized control trials. These trials, involving over a thousand children, demonstrated that kids who played MindLight reduced their anxiety by at least 50%.
The game's storyline is straightforward yet engaging. You play as a child exploring your grandmother's mansion, which is engulfed in shadows. By wearing 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.
While the game was primarily tested with children aged 8 to 12, PlayNice reports that older kids and even parents have found it enjoyable. Since MindLight adapts to each player's unique stress response in real-time, the experience remains personal and dynamic, no matter who is playing.
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—one for a single child and another for families with 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.
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