Biofeedback Games

Important Note: This is not a medical site and does not offer medical advice or personal advice of any form. Always consult a doctor regarding medical matters.

One of the many applications of biofeedback is in gaming. Biofeedback games can be purely for fun or can also have practical and possibly even therapeutic benefits. Some people find them a useful tool in helping to relax, stress reduction, meditation etc.

What Are Biofeedback Games?

Biofeedback games are computer games where biofeedback measurements are used to enhance or replace traditional controls such as gamepads or keyboard. In theory any form of biofeedback can be used however most products aimed at the individual consumer use inexpensive GSR (galvanic skin response) measurement.

How Do They Work?

So, how do these games work? Basically the biofeedback readings collected by the unit are translated into control commands for the game. By varying their mental and physical state the player can perform a variety of in-game actions ranging from the simple to the complex. The result is a feeling of being "plugged in" to the game - which in a sense you are. This can be especially effective at increasing the immersive feeling of virtual worlds.

The best known biofeedback games you can buy today are the Wild Divine series; the makers describe these as being active feedback programs.

Therapy

Biofeedback video games can also be used by medical practitioners to aid their patients. Playing a game can make an otherwise tedious biofeedback session much more fun, especially for younger users. It can also provide a psychological reward mechanism as well as allowing for simulation of real world situations that might normally produce stress or other negative reactons.