A haunted house, shadowy creatures, and a mission to rescue your grandmother might sound like a typical spooky adventure game, but MindLight offers much more than that. Developed by PlayNice, this action-adventure game is designed to help children manage stress and anxiety through the use of biofeedback.
What is biofeedback? It's a mind-body therapy technique that can enhance both physical and mental well-being. In MindLight, your emotions directly influence the gameplay. When you're calm, the dark mansion lights up, making it easier to navigate. If you're anxious, the mansion remains shadowy and eerie, reflecting your state of mind.
MindLight is More Than Just a Game
The game 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 showed that playing MindLight could reduce anxiety by at least 50%.
The premise of the game 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 notes that older kids and even parents have enjoyed the game. Its ability to adapt to each player's stress response in real-time ensures a personalized and dynamic experience for everyone.
There Are Two Options
To start 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 download 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 and its first anniversary events.
