MindLight isn't your typical spooky adventure game featuring a haunted house, shadow creatures, and a mission to rescue your grandmother. Developed by PlayNice, this action-adventure game goes beyond mere entertainment—it's designed to help children manage stress and anxiety through biofeedback. But what exactly is biofeedback? It's a mind-body therapy that can enhance both physical and mental health by integrating your emotions into the gameplay. In MindLight, staying calm will brighten the dark mansion, while feeling anxious will keep it shadowy and eerie.

MindLight: More Than Just a Game

MindLight was co-developed by Dr. Isabela Granic, the co-founder of PlayNice and the lead scientist behind multiple randomized control trials involving over a thousand children. These trials revealed that kids who played MindLight saw their anxiety levels decrease by at least 50%. The game's storyline is straightforward: you're a child navigating your grandmother's mansion, which has been engulfed by shadows. Using a headset, the game monitors your brainwaves or heart rate in real-time. The light you emit helps you navigate the mansion and fend off terrifying creatures.

While the game was primarily tested on children aged 8 to 12, PlayNice notes that it's also enjoyed by older kids and even parents. The game's ability to adapt to each player's stress response in real-time ensures a personalized and dynamic experience for everyone.

Getting Started with MindLight

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

You can find MindLight on the Google Play Store, as well as on the Amazon store, App store, and PlayNice's website.