The Journey To The Wild Divine, the brainchild of an American scientist and a cyber-games programmer, takes on-screen entertainment beyond the interactive into a voyage of self-discovery.
It is a game of adventure where you have to employ the ancient yogic wisdom of mind-body mastery to manipulate the power of modern technology.
Co-inventor Kurt Smith, says: "After many years in the biomedical industry I saw the potential of what science was uncovering with biofeedback and wanted to make a consumer level product that was both healing and entertaining."
He teamed up with Corwin Bell, an experienced inter-active media programmer. They dreamed up The Journey To The Wild Divine while on a rock-climbing trip.
Their computerised metaphor for the human inner world relies on a revolutionary set of commands. No longer the adrenaline-driven manic bashing of keys and mouse contortions; instead, navigation depends on yogic breath control, the generation of different biorhythm brain patterns, and visualisation.
The whole on-screen ambience is tranquil. Achievement is not measured by scores. Progress along the journey is gentle and a series of animated guides teach you ancient 'mind-power' techniques.
Smith hopes that such techniques as the equalising Heart Breath, essential to navigate through the game's many chambers, will help players deal with the stress and strains of 'real' life. "We think the Wild Divine combines entertainment and therapeutic value which hits a new level of production quality," he says.
To play, you have to hook up your non-mouse hand to three 'Magic Rings. These biofeedback sensors measure your heart rate and skin conductance levels. By controlling these 'biometrics' you are able to play the game.
During the journey, you have to team up with a partner. The game needs to feel two hearts beating to reveal the workings of the 'Inner Imagery Theatre'. Here, you practise visualisation with each other and develop powers of concentration.
Smith and Corwin are developing a professional version of the game for use by therapists. The possible applications for computerised de-stressing are huge: learning to drive, chilling after a stressful day and learning more about how your mind, body and soul actually fit together.
For more information, visit: www.wilddivine.com
What is biofeedback?
If you have ever taken your temperature, you have experienced biofeedback. The term was coined in the late 1960s when scientists trained people to control involuntary bodily functions such as brain activity, blood pressure and heart rate. The result was relaxation. Today the techniques are used to treat migraine, heart disorders, blood pressure problems, epilepsy and paralysis.
