Enhancing health and providing treatment through games
Implications - Video games are still considered by many consumers to be a waste of time, and while that might be the case for some games, there is a growing market for wellness-based games, which actually help to enhance a person's quality of life. These games, whether they're used for stress-relief, treatment, fitness or overall mental health, are products that appeal to people who would never classify themselves as typical "gamers." And therein lies the advantage: by appealing to non-gamers, video game brands can secure an entirely different customer and market segment to augment overall sales.
Trend Themes
1. Wellness-based Gamification - Gamification of wellness and fitness is becoming a trend as it appeals to non-traditional gamers and promotes the overall market segment with smarter and healthy products.
2. Therapeutic Video Games - The development of therapeutic video games is on the rise and creates an opportunity for affordable and accessible mental and physical health treatments for patients who are resistant to conventional therapies.
3. Biofeedback Technology Integration - Biofeedback technology is being integrated with modern games to help reduce stress and anxiety, presenting an opportunity to target the market segment that faces high-stress lifestyles.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare Industry - The healthcare industry is witnessing the rise of innovative technology-enabled gamification treatments for patients who were resistant to conventional treatments.
2. Gaming Industry - Gaming companies are now venturing into wellness-based gamification, opening up an entirely new market segment to augment overall sales.
3. Entertainment Industry - The development of innovative video games is a great opportunity for the entertainment industry to promote mood-enhancing, life-enriching and motivational content.