MindLight, developed by PlayNice, isn't your typical spooky adventure game. It combines the eerie thrill of exploring a haunted house filled with shadow creatures with a unique mission to rescue your grandmother, all while helping kids manage stress and anxiety through biofeedback. But what exactly is biofeedback? It's a mind-body therapy technique that can enhance both your physical and mental health. In MindLight, your emotions directly influence the gameplay: stay calm, and the dark mansion brightens; feel anxious, and it remains shadowy and unsettling.
MindLight is More Than Just a Game
Co-developed by Dr. Isabela Granic, co-founder of PlayNice, MindLight has been rigorously tested through several randomized control trials involving over a thousand children. These trials demonstrated that kids who played MindLight experienced a significant reduction in anxiety—cutting it by at least half. The game's storyline 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, allowing the light you control to dispel the darkness 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 enjoyable. MindLight adapts to each player's stress response dynamically, ensuring a personalized experience for everyone.
Getting Started with MindLight
To begin your journey with MindLight, you'll need two essential items: the Neurosky MindWave 2 EEG headset and a subscription to the game. PlayNice offers two subscription options—one tailored 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. Dive into this innovative game and see how it transforms your approach to managing stress and anxiety.