MindLight: New Android Neurofeedback Game with Horror Survival Theme

A haunted house, shadowy creatures, and a mission to rescue your grandmother might sound like the plot of a typical spooky adventure game. But MindLight, developed by PlayNice, transcends the usual gaming experience 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 emotional state directly influences the game. When you're calm, the mansion lights up, making it easier to navigate. But if anxiety creeps in, the mansion remains shrouded in darkness and eerie shadows.

MindLight: More Than Just a Game

MindLight was co-developed by Dr. Isabela Granic, co-founder of PlayNice and the lead scientist behind numerous randomized control trials. These trials involved over a thousand children and demonstrated that playing MindLight could reduce anxiety by at least 50%. The game's storyline is straightforward yet engaging: 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. As you progress, light becomes your ally, helping you navigate the mansion and fend off terrifying creatures.

Although primarily tested on children aged 8 to 12, PlayNice reports that even older children and parents have found the game enjoyable. Since MindLight adapts to the player's stress response in real-time, it offers a personalized and dynamic experience regardless of the player's age.

Getting Started with MindLight

To dive into the world of MindLight, you'll need two key items for either yourself or your child: the Neurosky MindWave 2 EEG headset and a subscription to the game. PlayNice offers two subscription options—a single-child package and a family package that supports up to five players.

You can easily purchase MindLight from the Google Play Store, the Amazon store, the App Store, or directly from PlayNice's website.