A Video Game Claims to Fight Depression

Now, we have a video game touting to fight teenage depression! New Zealand game developer’s ‘SPARX video game’ is based on the psychological approach, which is known as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

The role-playing fantasy game is about saving the world from becoming a mire of pessimism and despair. In this, a player adopts a warrior avatar and eliminates negative thoughts with fireballs. Sparx has seven play levels, each spanning for 35-40 minutes. Each of the level is embedded with lessons for conflict resolution, anger management and breathing relaxation exercises. It can be an alternative for face-to-face depression counselling, which also lasts for about 30 minutes.

Trials conducted by the British Medical Journal found out that it helped teen players reduce mild to moderate depression. The game has started winning accolades and laurels, which includes the prestigious Innovative Game Award at United Nation's World Summit Awards.

Read more Health News