A haunted house, shadow creatures, and a mission to rescue your grandmother might sound like the plot of a typical spooky adventure game. However, MindLight, developed by PlayNice, transcends the conventional by integrating action-adventure gameplay with a therapeutic approach 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 directly influence the gameplay. When you're calm, the dark mansion illuminates, making your journey easier. Conversely, if you're anxious, the mansion remains shrouded in shadows, heightening the challenge.
MindLight: More Than Just a Game
MindLight was co-developed by Dr. Isabela Granic, a co-founder of PlayNice and the lead scientist behind several randomized controlled 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 premise is straightforward: you play as a child exploring your grandmother's mansion, which has been engulfed by shadows. Using a headset, the game monitors your brainwaves or heart rate in real-time. The light you generate helps you navigate the mansion and ward off fearsome creatures.
While primarily tested with children aged 8 to 12, PlayNice notes that older kids and even parents have found the game enjoyable. 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 embark on your MindLight journey, you'll need two key components: the Neurosky MindWave 2 EEG headset and a subscription to the game. PlayNice offers two subscription packages—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.
