SPARX trailer YouTube

With funding from the Ministry of Health, a team of specialists in treating depression in
young people, learning technologists, young people and cultural advisors have joined
forces with Metia Interactive www.metia.co.nz (a local computer game development
company) to design a self-help computer programme (CD-ROM) called SPARX. SPARX
combines a fantasy setting with skills for life.

It uses a 3D animated game environment and a custom-made soundtrack to engage young
people and teach them skills to manage symptoms of depression, in a self-directed learning
format. Users are able to customise their avatar and journey to seven Provinces, each with
a unique set of challenges and puzzles.

The Guide explains how the skills in the game relate to the challenges a young person may
face in the real world. Young people learn cognitive behavioural therapy techniques for
dealing with symptoms of depression (e.g. dealing with negative thoughts, problem-solving,
activity scheduling, relaxation, etc). It can be used with minimal oversight. Our project is
based on a successful pilot study carried out by Dr Karolina Stasiak, as part of her PhD .

• Category

  Education

[hippetihohoijaa]

Just looking at the graphics and gameplay makes me more depressed.

[Mamuel Vilamarim]

They should make this game free

[Sparxe]

Well said, Navaara. :)

[Navaara W]

These angry comments make me almost as sad as my depression. Sorry for being selfish by saying this but there is a lot of people who are sensitive to angry comments like bullying victims. The comments remind me of my dad. Sorry again for acting selfish by saying my problems, but I am a bullying victim from school mates to my dad and brother. I'm just saying to keep an open mind to those sensitive people. You all know what it's like to feel depressed. Thanks. :)

[saifaly95]

I prefer COD

[trayyarden]

yes, that would be fantastic ^^

[Luli Lee]

I'm curious to play this game even though I'm not depressed :3

[bascarola]

Fantastic initiative. Can't wait to get a copy.

[MrErgie]

Looks pretty bad and uninteresting - but hey, it's not meant to be an opposition to WoW. Overall, the project itself is kinda interesting and promising. Gotta monitor it for the future, just because there really might come out something good out of it.

[vvvlladdd]

grow a brain. is a self help game

[TheSchmatto]

When is it going to be available?

[SeriouslyPissedOff]

at this point I will try even this