MindLight: New Android Neurofeedback Game with Horror Survival Theme

Embarking on a spooky adventure with elements like a haunted house, shadow creatures, and a mission to rescue your grandmother might sound like a typical horror game. However, MindLight, developed by PlayNice, goes beyond the ordinary by integrating biofeedback to help children manage stress and anxiety. But what is biofeedback? It's a therapeutic technique that enhances both physical and mental well-being by integrating your emotions into gameplay. In MindLight, staying calm illuminates the dark mansion, whereas feeling anxious keeps it shadowy and eerie.

MindLight: More Than Just a Game

Co-developed by Dr. Isabela Granic, co-founder of PlayNice and a leading scientist, MindLight has undergone rigorous randomized control trials with over a thousand children. The results were remarkable: kids who played MindLight saw their anxiety levels drop by at least half. The game's narrative is straightforward yet captivating—you play as a child exploring your grandmother's mansion, 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 ward off terrifying creatures.

Although primarily tested with children aged 8 to 12, MindLight has also been enjoyed by older kids and parents. Its ability to adapt to each player's stress response in real time makes the experience personal and dynamic, regardless of the player's age.

Getting Started with MindLight

To dive into 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 accommodating up to five players.

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