Heights are one of the most common phobias, so students from the University of Washington have developed a rock climbing simulator to try to help people overcome their fears of sheer precipices. The project uses virtual reality on the Unity platform to simulate the experience of climbing several different rock faces and completing various challenges.
The rock climbing simulator was originally developed as a game for the students' final project in a University of Washington course. However, after seeing user responses to the game, the students realized its potential as a tool for helping people to cope with their vertiginous fear.
The game has three levels. In the first, the user must climb from one block to another. The second involves handling different elevation levels, and the third requires users to swing across chasms to reach different faces of the wall.
Phobia-Fighting Rock Climbing Simulators
This VR Game Can Help People Overcome a Fear of Heights
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Reality Therapy - Development of more VR simulations can provide immersive exposure therapy that can help patients overcome several types of phobias.
2. Gamification of Therapy - Incorporating game elements into different therapy treatments can increase patient engagement and improve outcomes.
3. Mental Health Technology - The intersection of technology and mental health has vast potential to improve patient care and treatment.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming Industry - By entering the field of therapeutic game development, gaming companies can explore potential markets outside of traditional gaming demographics.
2. Healthcare Industry - Development of VR simulations as a therapeutic tool can revolutionize the way mental health disorders are treated and managed in the healthcare industry.
3. Technology Industry - Developing new technologies that intersect with the healthcare industry can create opportunities to improve patient access and outcomes.