SuperBetter

Not only can we look at Dissociative Identity Disorder as a form of play, but there are games that exist today that can help people with trauma or stress disorders such as DID or PTSD. Jane McGonigal is the creator of the game, SuperBetter. McGonigal suffered from a brain injury and afterward became intrigued by how games have the ability to strengthen the brain and help people heal. During her Ted Talk she discusses the creation of her game, along with research that has proven games have the ability to help heal mental injuries as well as physical injuries or struggles. She also describes a virtual reality game called Snow World that was proven to ease the pain of burn victims by adventuring through a world of ice and snow, stimulating their brain and allowing it to forget the pain.

Above is a screenshot from SuperBetter. Before beginning, one must specify what they are trying to better in their life with this game. Each selection contains different content that is specified to help the player with their specified injury or obstacle. In the video below Sean Baenen a member of the company Social Chocolate, explains SuperBetter, going through screenshots of the site and explaining it’s functions.