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, but MindLight, developed by PlayNice, transcends the usual. This action-adventure game uniquely aids children in managing stress and anxiety through the use of biofeedback.

What is biofeedback, you ask? It's a mind-body therapy designed to enhance both physical and mental health. In MindLight, your emotional state directly influences the gameplay. When you're calm, the dark mansion becomes illuminated, making it easier to navigate. If anxiety creeps in, the environment remains shadowy and daunting, reflecting your inner state.

MindLight is More Than Just a Game

Co-developed by Dr. Isabela Granic, co-founder of PlayNice and the lead scientist behind numerous randomized control trials, MindLight has been rigorously tested with over a thousand children. The results were compelling: kids who played the game saw their anxiety levels decrease by at least half.

The game's storyline is straightforward yet engaging. You play as a child tasked with exploring your grandmother's mansion, now engulfed by shadows. With a headset that monitors your brainwaves or heart rate in real-time, the game adapts to your physiological responses. The light you carry serves as both your guide through the mansion and your weapon against the lurking creatures.

Although primarily tested with children aged 8 to 12, PlayNice reports that even older kids and parents find the game engaging. Since MindLight dynamically adjusts to each player's stress response, it offers a personalized and evolving experience for everyone.

Getting Started with MindLight

To dive into MindLight, you'll need two key components: the Neurosky MindWave 2 EEG headset and a subscription to the game. There are two subscription options available—one tailored for a single child, and another designed for families, accommodating up to five players.

You can download MindLight from various platforms, including the Google Play Store, Amazon store, App Store, and directly from PlayNice's website.

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