It may not look like MW3 but it's way better for you
While many medical professionals denounce video games it's always a pleasure when they have a more positive attitude. Just like a team at the University of Utah, for example, who have developed a game to help children during cancer treatment.
A team of professors and students have collaborated on the creation of the Patient Empowerment Interactive Video Game. While the title could do with some work, the idea is great: children take their on-screen avatar through a series of challenges which spark areas in the brain that should improve the player's mental state.
The game is played using the PlayStation Move controller, meaning that there's also an active element. The combination of working through problems in the game (everything is a real-life issue, such as having to build a wall to stop a huge wave from crashing down) and moving around helps the patient's morale and gives them much needed strength.
The main character, a superhero, also becomes healthier and stronger as the game progresses. One of the designers, Roger Alitzer, says "Something subtle yet extremely important to the game is the use of metaphor and imagery. It is our goal that the patient will relate to the super hero [and] as they play more, he gets stronger."
It's certainly an innovative step from the team at the University of Utah and one that should be applauded. Here's hoping that more hospitals get on board and use the system. Anything that may have even the slightest chance of helping beat the disease has got to be good.
Source: University of Utah News
A team of professors and students have collaborated on the creation of the Patient Empowerment Interactive Video Game. While the title could do with some work, the idea is great: children take their on-screen avatar through a series of challenges which spark areas in the brain that should improve the player's mental state.
The game is played using the PlayStation Move controller, meaning that there's also an active element. The combination of working through problems in the game (everything is a real-life issue, such as having to build a wall to stop a huge wave from crashing down) and moving around helps the patient's morale and gives them much needed strength.
The main character, a superhero, also becomes healthier and stronger as the game progresses. One of the designers, Roger Alitzer, says "Something subtle yet extremely important to the game is the use of metaphor and imagery. It is our goal that the patient will relate to the super hero [and] as they play more, he gets stronger."
It's certainly an innovative step from the team at the University of Utah and one that should be applauded. Here's hoping that more hospitals get on board and use the system. Anything that may have even the slightest chance of helping beat the disease has got to be good.
Source: University of Utah News
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