A haunted house, shadow creatures, and a mission to rescue your grandmother might sound like a typical spooky adventure game. However, MindLight, developed by PlayNice, transcends the ordinary by integrating biofeedback to help children manage stress and anxiety. But what exactly is biofeedback? It's a mind-body therapy that can enhance both physical and mental well-being. In MindLight, your emotions directly influence the gameplay. When you're calm, the dark mansion illuminates, but if you're 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, involving over a thousand children, demonstrated that playing MindLight could reduce anxiety by at least 50%. The game's premise is straightforward: you play as a child exploring your grandmother's mansion, which is engulfed in 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 begin playing 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 purchase MindLight from the Google Play Store, Amazon store, App Store, or directly from PlayNice's website.
For more gaming news, check out our coverage of Wuthering Waves’ Version 2.3 alongside its first anniversary events.
