Rising Focus on Developing Immersive Environments to Diagnose and Treat Neurological Disorders to Fuel Neurological Game Technology Market Growth

 

Neurological game technology refers to gaming technology that leverages brain-computer interface (BCI) such as EEG to enable users to communicate with the game without need for a controller. The technology can be used a novel and engaging type of gameplay and is currently in the nascent stage of development. Neurogaming has significant applications in treatment of brain disorders such as PTSD and ADHD. Alongside healthcare industry, neurogaming technologies also have potential in various other sectors such as defense, sports, and education. Neurological game technology is an unexplored niche with several investment and business opportunities in the area.

Neurological game technology applies neuroscience knowledge to the world of gaming and uses brain-computer interface to control games using only electric activity of the brain. The neurophysiological recording is done in a non-invasive manner using electrodes that are placed on the scalp in a technique known as electroencephalogram (EEG). The first game was introduced in 2005 and since then numerous games have been introduced in the market. Studies have shown brain-controlled games play a significant role in improving cognitive ability and working memory. Neurogaming technology also contributes to significant advances in medical sector and can facilitate diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of neurological pathologies and disorders. Over the recent past, advanced in neurotech have led to the development of games that assist in treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, hyperactivity disorders, attention deficits, and spinal cord injury, among others. In addition, these games can be presented on virtual reality (VR) platforms to enhance immersive experience and interactivity. This makes it possible to assess the effect of immersive experience on interaction and modification of brain activity in real-time.

In September 2020, California-based BrainLeap Technologies introduced a new-research backed video game for kids with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and broader attention issues to improve their critical cognitive functions such as focus, concentration, memory, and self-control. The company launched a platform called Attention Arcade, which comprises six games that kids can control through just their eyes. Leveraging eye-tracking tech, the games run a wide range of features from steering a space ship in Space Race to guiding a butterfly down a path. During the building of the platform, the co-founder worked at the University of California and through the research that was funded by National Institute of Health, a clinical trial suggested BrainLeap’s games brought about 68% improvement in fast and accurate attention shifts, a 55% increase in focusing attention, and a 30% improvement in overall focus in ADHD patients aged 9 to 25 years.

Major companies doing innovative things in the neurological game technology sector includes EMOTIV, Inc., Smart Eye AB., Qneuro Inc., Bit & Brain Technologies S.L., Ultraleap Ltd., EON Reality Inc., Magic Leap, Inc., Leap Motion, Inc., Niantic, Inc., and Neuralink Corporation. In December 2020, neurological start-up Neo-Fi Studious announced its successful participation in the Web Submit and announced innovative projects. Neo-Fi Studios aims to expand the scope of the revolutionary field of neuro-VR and neuro-gaming by combining VR experiences inclusive of educational and social components with EEG input technology to create fully immersive and participatory experiences. Neo-Fi Studios has been selected as one of the most promising Eastern European VR start-ups and has expertise gathered from Europe, Asia, and North America.