MindLight: Android Horror Game Uses Neurofeedback to Ease Anxiety

Navigate a haunted mansion, battle shadowy creatures, and save your grandmother in this chilling adventure. MindLight, crafted by PlayNice, goes beyond typical gaming by integrating biofeedback to help children manage stress and anxiety.

What is biofeedback? It’s a technique linking mind and body to enhance mental and physical well-being. Your emotions shape the gameplay: stay calm, and the mansion brightens; let anxiety creep in, and darkness prevails.

MindLight Offers More Than Entertainment

Developed with Dr. Isabela Granic, PlayNice co-founder and lead researcher, MindLight underwent rigorous trials with over 1,000 children, showing a significant reduction in anxiety levels by at least half.

The storyline is straightforward: as a child, you explore your grandmother’s shadow-engulfed mansion. A headset monitors your brainwaves or heart rate in real-time, guiding the in-game light to illuminate paths and repel eerie creatures.

While primarily tested with kids aged 8 to 12, PlayNice notes that older children and parents also find it engaging. The game adapts to each player’s stress responses, ensuring a personalized and dynamic experience.

Two Subscription Options Available

To play MindLight, you’ll need the Neurosky MindWave 2 EEG headset and a game subscription. Choose between a single-player plan or a family package supporting up to five players.

Download MindLight from the Google Play Store, Amazon Store, App Store, or PlayNice’s website.

Also, check out our coverage of Wuthering Waves’ Version 2.3 and its first-anniversary events.