DeepWell Digital Therapeutics (DTx) has made a groundbreaking move in the field of mental health treatment by launching Zengence, an action video game designed to address mental health issues. This game, available in the Meta Game Store, is the first of its kind to be released in the store for virtual reality applications. Zengence utilizes patent-pending technology that combines breath and sound mechanics to create a unique gaming experience aimed at defeating inner anxieties.
In Zengence, players harness the power of controlled breath and vocalization to navigate through levels, reveal enemies, dodge attacks, and power their weapons. DeepWell’s approach combines breath training with action shooting game mechanics to help players build resilience and cope with stressful situations. The game is designed to provide an enjoyable gaming experience while also addressing the global mental health crisis.
Ryan Douglas, the founder and chief therapeutic designer of DeepWell DTx, highlights the importance of accessible mental health support. Currently, 70-80% of people with mental health issues do not manage them due to stigma, accessibility, and cost. Zengence aims to fill this gap by offering an engaging and fun game that meets people where they play.
Zengence takes players on a journey to restore balance in ancient lands overrun by Dark Wraiths. Equipped with a magical orb powered by vocals, players must use their breath to seek out and vanquish these hidden enemies. The game emphasizes the mastery of breath and vocal toning, allowing players to strengthen their arsenal and improve their mental well-being with each level completed.
Beyond the 30 levels of gameplay, Zengence offers daily challenges and high-score leaderboards to encourage continuous practice and mastery. The game also features a Zen Garden, a separate learning space within the game that combines motion, breath, and tones to stimulate the vagus nerve and enhance relaxation.
Zengence goes beyond traditional gaming by immersing players in a physiological challenge. By strategically introducing controlled sensory interference during memory encoding, learning, recall, or challenges that evoke physiological responses, the game aims to disrupt or distort old memories and create new associations. Sam Browd, DeepWell DTx’s chief medical advisor, explains that this process can reduce the harmful portion of painful memories and improve overall well-being.
The game addresses a wide range of mental health issues, including worry, fear, nervousness, sadness, low mood, reduced drive, and emotional dysregulation. By targeting these issues through gameplay, Zengence offers a unique approach to mental health treatment.
DeepWell DTx, launched in 2022, is dedicated to researching and developing immersive medicine for mental health conditions. The company boasts a team of renowned game designers, med-tech entrepreneurs, medical experts, and a top neurosurgeon expert in AI and brain interfaces. With over 30 patents and 25 medical devices launched, DeepWell DTx is at the forefront of innovation in the field.
Zengence is available for purchase in the Meta Game Store for $20 and is compatible with Meta Quest 2 and 3 VR headsets. DeepWell DTx is part of NeuFluent, a venture studio focused on neuroscience innovation. Their technology can be integrated into other medical treatment devices and processes, used as a companion therapy, or applied in surgical procedures and training.
In conclusion, Zengence represents a significant advancement in the field of mental health treatment. By combining gaming mechanics with breath training and sound mechanics, DeepWell DTx has created an engaging and effective tool for building resilience and addressing mental health issues. With its immersive gameplay and innovative approach, Zengence offers a new way to improve mental well-being.
