MindLight Is a New Neurofeedback Game on Android with a 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 an action-adventure format with biofeedback technology to help children manage stress and anxiety effectively.

What is biofeedback? It's a mind-body therapy that can enhance both physical and mental well-being. In MindLight, your emotions directly influence the gameplay. When you're calm, the dark mansion illuminates, easing your path. Conversely, if you're feeling anxious, the mansion remains shadowy and eerie, reflecting your emotional state.

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 that involved 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: you play as a child exploring your grandmother’s mansion, engulfed by shadows. With the aid of a headset, the game monitors your brainwaves or heart rate in real time. The light you generate helps you navigate the mansion and fend off terrifying creatures.

Although primarily tested with children aged 8 to 12, PlayNice reports that even older kids and parents find the game enjoyable. Its real-time adaptation to each player’s stress response ensures a personalized and dynamic experience for everyone.

Getting Started with MindLight

To dive into MindLight, you'll need two essential items for either yourself or your child: the Neurosky MindWave 2 EEG headset and a subscription to the game. There are two subscription options available—one for a single child and another for families accommodating up to five players.

You can easily download MindLight from the Google Play Store, as well as from the Amazon store, App Store, and directly from PlayNice’s official website.