A haunted house, shadowy figures, and a quest to rescue your grandmother sound like a standard spooky adventure game. Yet MindLight is far more. Created by PlayNice, it's an action-adventure title that actively helps children manage stress and anxiety through biofeedback.
What exactly is biofeedback? It's a mind-body technique that can enhance both physical and mental well-being. In this game, your emotions directly shape the experience. Stay calm, and the dark mansion illuminates. Feel anxious, and it remains shrouded in shadow.
MindLight is more than just a game
The game was co-developed by Dr. Isabela Granic, a PlayNice founder and lead scientist on multiple randomized controlled trials involving over a thousand children. These studies showed that kids who played MindLight reduced their anxiety levels by at least half.
The premise is straightforward. You play a child exploring your grandmother's mansion, now consumed by darkness. Using a special headset, the game monitors your brainwaves or heart rate in real time. This biofeedback generates a light that guides you through the mansion and repels frightening creatures.
While primarily tested with children aged 8 to 12, PlayNice notes that even older kids and parents have found it engaging. Because the game adapts to each player's unique stress responses, the experience remains personal and dynamic for everyone.
There Are Two Options
To start with MindLight, you'll need two items for the player: the NeuroSky MindWave 2 EEG headset and a subscription to the game itself. Two subscription plans are available—one for a single child and another for families supporting up to five players.
You can download MindLight from the Google Play Store. It's also accessible via the Amazon Appstore, the Apple App Store, and directly from PlayNice's website.
Also, explore our coverage of Wuthering Waves' Version 2.3 and its first-anniversary celebrations.
