MindLight: New Android Neurofeedback Horror Survival Game

A haunted house, shadow creatures, and a mission to rescue your grandmother might seem like the usual spooky adventure game, but MindLight, developed by PlayNice, offers something more. It's an action-adventure game designed to help children manage stress and anxiety through biofeedback.

What is biofeedback? It's a mind-body therapy that can enhance your physical and mental health. In MindLight, your emotions directly influence the gameplay. When you're calm, the dark mansion lights up, making it easier to navigate. But if you're anxious, the mansion remains shadowy and eerie, reflecting your internal state.

MindLight is More Than Just a Game

MindLight was co-developed by Dr. Isabela Granic, co-founder of PlayNice and the lead scientist behind several randomized control trials. These trials involved over a thousand children and revealed that playing MindLight could reduce anxiety by at least 50%. The game's premise is straightforward: you play as a child exploring your grandmother's mansion, which is 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 kids aged 8 to 12, PlayNice notes that older children and even parents have found the game engaging. Since MindLight adapts to each player's stress response in real-time, it remains a personalized and dynamic experience for everyone.

Getting Started with MindLight

To begin your journey with MindLight, you'll need two things: the Neurosky MindWave 2 EEG headset and a subscription to the game. PlayNice offers two subscription options—one for a single child and another for families, accommodating up to five players.

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