Database Search: Download

Astrolopolis, developed by researchers at the Autism Collaborative, is an experimental video game that collects neuroscientific data while people play, to investigate perceptual, attentional, and social aspects of autistic behavior. The game is available for free download and players’ data can be recorded. Astrolopolis takes place in deep space, where players oversee the construction of a new colony. To keep the colony running, players must manage resources to meet the needs of the colony’s residents.

Designed by young cancer patient Ben Duskin and LucasArts employee Eric Johnston, and funded by a grant from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ben’s Game helps cancer patients cope with their illness and relieves some of the pain and stress associated with cancer treatments. Players navigate through the body’s organs and destroy all the cancer cells in order to collect seven shields that serve as protection against seven side effects of chemotherapy: colds, barf, chicken pox, fever, bleeding, hair loss, and rash.

Players of this game can engage in intense cognitive exercises designed to prevent or slow the onset of dementia. Dakim Brain Fitness intends to be user friendly and an enjoyable way to exercise players’ brains and fight dementia.

Earthquake in Zipland is designed to help children of divorced or separated parents cope with the stresses and emotional issues that often arise from the separation. Players embark on a quest while helping the main character deal with some issues that may resemble those of the players, such as anger, guilt, and loyalty conflicts. 

In FoldIt, players competitively solve puzzles in order to fold the best proteins. The creators of FoldIt at the University of Washington Departments of Computer Science, Engineering, and Biochemistry believe that proteins may be the cure for many diseases and are taking advantage players’ puzzle-solving capabilities to predict structures of proteins.

G-Netix is a simulation game available for the Mac and PC. Players assume the role of a scientist circling the Earth in a spaceship when a deadly virus lands on Earth and wipes out all of its inhabitants. Players must develop and grow human embryos to repopulate the Earth. Players will have the opportunity to modify gene structure and watch a single cell evolve into a complex organism.

Helix is a dance game designed to give players a fun and exciting way to exercise. Similar to the children’s game Simon Says, players mimic the motions and dance moves demonstrated by a robot on the screen. There are several levels of difficulty and over twenty songs to help encourage players.

Insulot is an educational mobile phone game developed to teach players about blood glucose levels and insulin dosages. The game operates in the form of a slot machine. The goal is to estimate the appropriate dosage of insulin that will keep glucose at a safe level.

NEAT-o-Race and NEAT-o-Sudoku are mobile phone games that require players to earn activity points in order to advance. Activity points can be earned by wearing a sensory device that reads and stores players’ aerobic activity.

The Puzzability Sampler is a free, downloadable collection of puzzles, activities, and exercises designed to stimulate the mind and increase cognitive capability. Players can choose from dozens of games the whole family can enjoy.

Re-Mission is a free adventure game designed to help young patients with cancer overcome their fears and feel more in control of their conditions. In the game, players are nanobot warriors who travel through the bodies of young patients with cancer and destroy their cancerous cells. To win, players must find malignant cells and blast them into oblivion before they damage healthy organs. It was developed by HopeLab.

An free, downloadable educational game designed to teach teens the importance of safe and responsible driving,this game addresses issues common among inexperienced drivers including cells phones, loud music, distractions, and nighttime driving. Players can experience the risks and dangers associated with driving to gain a greater understanding of why the rules of the road are essential to human safety. This game was developed by Chrysler and Mother Against Drunk Driving.

Seek 'n Spell is a mobile phone game played outside using a global positioning system (GPS). While outdoors, players use their GPS to identify areas in which virtual letters are hidden. Players must physically move to areas to collect up to ten letters that they may use to spell as many words as they can.

Speed Brain is a brain-training game designed to help players improve their reaction time and processing speed. The idea is that players can strengthen their cognitive abilities in ways that can help them think faster and respond to stimuli more quickly. This game is compatible with mobile devices.