A haunted house, mysterious shadow creatures, and a mission to rescue your grandmother might sound like the setup for just another spooky adventure game. But *MindLight* is far from ordinary. Created by PlayNice, this unique action-adventure game is designed not only to entertain but also to help children manage stress and anxiety through the innovative use of biofeedback technology.
So, what exactly is biofeedback? It's a mind-body therapy technique that empowers players to improve both physical and mental well-being by becoming more aware of their emotional state. In *MindLight*, your emotions directly influence gameplay. When you're calm and focused, the dark mansion lights up—literally. If you feel anxious or stressed, the environment remains dim, eerie, and challenging to navigate.
MindLight: More Than Just a Game
The development of *MindLight* was led by Dr. Isabela Granic, co-founder of PlayNice and a leading researcher in child psychology and game design. The game was built on years of scientific research and has been tested with over 1,000 children in multiple randomized controlled trials. Results showed that kids who played *MindLight* experienced a significant reduction in anxiety—by at least 50%.
In *MindLight*, you play as a young child exploring your grandmother’s once-familiar mansion, now overtaken by darkness and lurking shadows. Equipped with a special headset, the game reads your brainwaves or heart rate in real time. This data controls the brightness of your in-game light source—a metaphorical and literal guide that helps you explore the mansion and ward off frightening creatures.
While the game was primarily tested with children aged 8 to 12, PlayNice reports that older kids and even parents have found it engaging and beneficial. Thanks to its dynamic system that adapts to each player’s unique stress response, *MindLight* offers a personalized experience tailored to the individual.
Two Options to Get Started
To begin your journey with *MindLight*, you’ll need two essential components: the Neurosky MindWave 2 EEG headset and a subscription to the game. There are two available subscription plans—one designed for a single child and another family plan that supports up to five players.
You can download *MindLight* from the Google Play Store, and it’s also available via the Amazon Store, Apple App Store, and directly from [ttpp]PlayNice’s official website.
