MindLight: New Android Neurofeedback Game with Horror Survival Theme

Embarking on a spooky adventure in a haunted house filled with shadow creatures, all while on a mission to rescue your grandmother, might sound like your typical scary game. Yet, MindLight, developed by PlayNice, is far more than that. This action-adventure game is designed to help children manage stress and anxiety through the innovative use of biofeedback.

But what exactly is biofeedback? It's a form of mind-body therapy that can enhance both physical and mental health. In MindLight, your emotions directly influence the gameplay. Stay calm, and the dark mansion will light up, making it easier to navigate. Feel anxious, and the environment remains shadowy and eerie, challenging your progress.

MindLight: More Than Just a Game

MindLight was co-developed by Dr. Isabela Granic, a co-founder of PlayNice and the leading scientist behind multiple randomized control trials involving over a thousand children. The trials demonstrated that kids who played MindLight experienced a significant reduction in anxiety, by at least 50%.

The game's storyline is straightforward yet captivating. You play as a child exploring your grandmother's mansion, engulfed by shadows. Using a special headset, MindLight tracks your brainwaves or heart rate in real-time. The light you generate helps you navigate the mansion and ward 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. Its real-time adaptation to each player's stress response keeps the experience personal and dynamic for everyone.

Getting Started with MindLight

To begin your journey with MindLight, you'll need two key 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 easily purchase MindLight from the Google Play Store, as well as from the Amazon store, App Store, and directly from PlayNice's website.