Having only just announced themselves to the world earlier this month, DeepWell Digital Therapeutics is already making moves. The development/publishing team at DeepWell is partnering with the Global Game Jam to bring, “a unique game jam designed to prove the power of games in positively addressing mental health,” this Summer.
In a press release, DeepWell outlined some of their inaugural game jam’s details. Beginning May 1st and lasting until the 22nd, the Mental Health Game Jam seeks to, “Demonstrate how video game themes and mechanics can be utilized as treatment mechanisms, help dispel misconceptions and social stigma related to openly discussing and addressing mental health issues, and build community that works to connect and support those suffering from stress, anxiety and depression.”
All of that sounds great, but you may still be asking yourself ‘what exactly is a game jam’? You’re in luck! The Global Game Jam has a video that wonderfully describes the what, who, and how of game jams.
Kate Edwards, Executive Director of the Global Game Jam, spoke about the partnership with DeepWell and said, “The environment of a game jam is the perfect place for exploring and experimenting with new ideas and approaches to problem-solving. And as the world’s largest game jam event, the Global Game Jam is thrilled to see our community create games around this critical topic.”
To participate in the Mental Health Game Jam use this Global Game Jam form to sign up. All of the games designed for the jam can be seen and played on the Global Game Jam’s itch.io page. While no prizes have been announced yet, the opportunity and potential benefits that could be created are great rewards in themselves.
To learn more about DeepWell Digital Therapeutics and their ambition, watch the video below of some of the “more than 40 industry-leading creators, game designers, scientists, quality, regulatory and medical professionals.”