Two years ago, HopeLab released Re-Mission, a shoot ’em up game with a difference in an attempt to help cancer afflicted teenagers stick to their medication. This past August, clinical evidence was published in the medical journal Pediatrics showing the game is a success.
HopeLab, a nonprofit organization founded by Pam Omidyar, was named one of Fast Company magazine’s 2009 Social Enterprises of the Year this month for its efforts in improving the health and quality of life of young people with chronic illness.
Prior to the release of Re-Mission, HopeLab completed a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the game. The research concluded that carefully designed video games can have a positive impact on the behavior of young people with chronic illness, and suggested that similar approaches could be directed toward a variety of chronic diseases. The data poster can be downloaded here (PDF).
Re-Mission players pilot a nanobot named Roxxi as she travels through the bodies of cancer patients destroying cancer cells, battling bacterial infections and managing the side effects of cancer.
Re-Mission is available to young people with cancer free of charge. The game can be ordered or downloaded here.
