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 traditional gaming by incorporating biofeedback to help children manage stress and anxiety.

What is Biofeedback? Biofeedback is a mind-body therapy that can enhance both physical and mental health. In MindLight, your emotional state directly influences the gameplay. When you're calm, the dark mansion illuminates, making it easier to navigate. Conversely, if you're anxious, the environment remains shadowy and menacing.

More Than Just a GameMindLight was co-developed by Dr. Isabela Granic, co-founder of PlayNice and the lead scientist behind numerous randomized control trials involving over a thousand children. These trials demonstrated that kids who played MindLight experienced at least a 50% reduction in anxiety levels.

The game's storyline is straightforward: you play as a child exploring your grandmother's mansion, which has been engulfed by shadows. Using a headset, MindLight monitors your brainwaves or heart rate in real-time. The light you emit helps you navigate the mansion and fend off terrifying creatures.

Although primarily tested with children aged 8 to 12, PlayNice reports that older kids and even parents have found the game engaging. The game adapts to each player's unique stress response in real-time, ensuring a personalized and dynamic experience for everyone.

Getting Started with MindLight To begin playing 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 designed for families with up to five players.

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

For more gaming news, check out our coverage of Wuthering Waves’ Version 2.3 alongside its first anniversary events.