Saturday 22 March 2014

Video Games for Therapy

Video games have been criticized for years on end for their contribution to obesity and inactivity. However, latest research shows that they may be used as a therapeutic mechanism for various types of illnesses, both physical and psychological.

Expert oncologists mention that video games can teach patients a fighting spirit, something that is vital to the survival of patients suffering from fatal illnesses. Often, patients in a difficult environment start to lose hope. Since the mind and body are closely connected, this despair further aggravates the sickness, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Video games provide patients with alternatives to think about during their free time. Also, games include lighter subject matter, where death is not absolute. Second chances, survival instinct, and patience can all be taught through video games, say lead physicians.

One major issue is the constant focus on death in video games. It can become quite frustrating to constantly show situations where survival is key to victory. Instead, game developers can focus on new designs to enhance the experience for this particular consumer group.

The need of a new focus, or goal, leads the gaming industry to un-treaded paths in the design field. This should be quite exciting for developers and testers as well. Additionally, it opens up a new market for producers, which means they will have to refine their skill to provide a satisfactory experience for such a customer, without forgoing the main function of trying to improve the health condition of patients playing the games. 

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