MindLight: New Android Neurofeedback Game with Horror Survival Theme

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, making your emotions an integral part of the gameplay. In MindLight, staying calm illuminates the dark mansion, while anxiety keeps it 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 half. The game's premise is straightforward: you play as a child exploring your grandmother's mansion, which is engulfed by shadows. Using a headset, the game monitors your brainwaves or heart rate in real-time, allowing the light to guide you through the mansion and fend off terrifying creatures.

Although primarily tested with children aged 8 to 12, PlayNice notes that older kids and parents have also found the game engaging. Since MindLight adapts to each player's stress response in real-time, it remains a personalized and dynamic 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 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.

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