People have certainly used the escapism of video games as a form of self-medication for quite a long time now, so that makes a lot of sense that they could have a more clinical application for depression and anxiety. I hope this can become some sort of medical regimen. Imagine developing games that are not only fun, but are designed by psychologists to treat depression and anxiety.

I don’t think it will replace medication, but it could certainly be an excellent complimentary treatment.

Imagine developing games that are not only fun, but are designed by psychologists to treat depression and anxiety.

It’s called the original Peggie!

Also, game developers are already doing that subconsciously and consciously as artists. Scientists may be able to explain why certain game elements effect people in certain ways but the idea that the science and medical industries can build games that help with anxiety and depression more than game developers with similar objectives is I think a common misunderstanding.

Scientists might be able to show that certain types of music powerfully impact people emotionally, but that doesn’t mean that scientists are able to take that information and make music that maximally emotionally impacts people.

We need artists to do that, and they already are with video games the problem is the industry treats it’s workers like trash.

I’m gonna just leave this link to the official speedrun.com asset page that may or may not have a freely available Android APK of the original Peggle Deluxe that works on modern devices.