Therapy and video games is no new concept. In fact, it’s been around since the home console spike in 1985. There is so much supporting evidence for video game therapy in fact, that I wonder if it only appears to be a controversial subject due to other questionable natures of the games themselves. I think there is a lot of ignorance when people approach the subject of whether video games can help heal people. I think the assumption is that commercial video games are being used, this generally is not true. While some commercial games may lend themselves to be therapeutic for some reason or another (PTSD in soldiers returning from combat for instance), a vast majority of games being used in therapy studies are purpose built video games that are tailored to specific needs.
Games like, Memory for Goblins, Bronkie the Bronchiosaurus, and others that may have never receive at title. I have actually managed to acquire the ability to play Bronkie the Bronchiosaurus for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game is rather basic, it’s much like action games of the era, only it’s filled with educational information for asthmatics, and those who need special respiratory attention. In light of all of this, because video games have grown significantly since the NES, I feel it’s necessary to examine more modern approaches, such as, the Nintendo Wii. There are reports of using the Wii and its unique mode of interaction to get those trying to recuperate from various debilitating injuries. There is some concern, perhaps, over the stress or frustration induced from failed attempts to correctly control the game. This stress could cause the patient to only be more self conscious about there inabilities. I think that before video games can be properly used for healing it is necessary to understand the psychological effects of video games, and their affect on personal behaviors. Perhaps even armed with the full understanding of the mental effects of gaming, developers can produce a game that is therapeutic for anyone who plays, or even for the growing number of troubled and addicted gamers. Certainly as technology grows we will see better and better development in games, not just graphically or in the AI but in how they are being integrated with the players world and possibly helping them heal their psyche as well as keep their body in good form.
2 comments:
The idea for using video games in place of, or at least a compliment with physical therapy is an interesting idea and now with the introduction of the Wii and other forms of physical interaction with a game there can be a greater possibility of their usage in physical therapy sessions.
It never crossed my mind that people with disabilities would become more aware or self conscious of their inabilities when playing the newer interactive games, such as the Wii. It is unfortunate that developers create games with this audience in mind for positive therapeutic purposes and yet still negative outcomes result. You made a great point and I completely agree with you.
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