Video games evolve to offer support for mental and physical ailments
Implications - As consumers continue to rely further on technology for simple, everyday tasks, developers and healthcare professionals are augmenting treatments with video games that both stimulate and heal. Speaking to a consumer base that responds most actively to dual-purpose tasks, the concept of gameified health is stimulating players into being more aware of bodily health, while at the same time satisfying a want for an interactive, in-home experience. This rise in health-conscious, cost-effective activities supports consumers with limited time and/or resources to effectively fill a gap created by the growing divide between social classes.
Trend Themes
1. Gamification of Health - Developers and healthcare professionals are augmenting treatments with video games that both stimulate and heal
2. Health Conscious Cost Effective Activities - Rise in health-conscious, cost-effective activities supports consumers with limited time and/or resources to effectively fill a gap created by the growing divide between social classes
3. Gamification of Therapy - Gamifying therapy to make it more engaging and effective, such as the Nevermind game that helps individuals with deep-seated fears using biofeedback technology
Industry Implications
1. Gaming - The use of video games in health and therapy presents opportunities for gaming companies to enter into the healthcare industry
2. Healthcare - Augmenting traditional healthcare methods with technology and gamification can help make treatments more engaging and accessible to a wider range of people
3. Physical Therapy - Developing devices and technologies that gamify physical therapy can make it more engaging and encourage individuals to participate in their own care
