The co-founder of indie label Devolver Digital, Mike Wilson, is setting up a new publisher focused on therapeutic games called DeepWell Digital Therapies.
Joined by the founder and CEO of medical device firm Nextern, Ryan Douglas, the company aims to bring games to market that are intended to help people. Not only that, but the duo also intends on sharing its ‘research-driven’ tech with the development community to show how games might help people.
“Our medium is often harshly judged for its perceived negative impacts on the mind and body,” Wilson said. “But the scientists who study video games, as well as the developers that build them at the highest levels, already know that the opposite is true.
“DeepWell is bringing entertainment and medical science together to build upon the proven fact that video games can be good for you, and, thanks to global digital distribution, they’re an important tool to make treatment affordable and accessible.
“Moreover, with games that are legitimately fun, patients and players will seek out their positive benefits again and again. Soon, some of the best video games in the world will be recognised for what they are – powerful medicine – and game designers will be shaping a new discipline with the potential to reach the biggest audience on the planet.”
As well as looking into ways that games can help people, Wilson has also been outspoken in the past about the industry’s responsibilities towards those who play games, namely when it comes to addiction.
The US’ FDA approved a game to be marketed as ADHD treatment back in 2020.
Developers interested in releasing content with DeepWell DTx can contact the company via this submissions form.
This article was first published on PCGamesInsider.biz.
