Acceleration of Therapeutic Use of Brain Computer Interfaces by Development for Gaming

Brain computer interfaces (BCI) are the foundation of numerous therapeutic applications that use brain signals to control programs or to translate into feedback. While the technical creation of these systems may be done in the lab with limited design expertise, the translation into a therapeutic calls for the engagement of game designers. This is evermore true for BCI in virtual reality (VR). VR has the potential to elevate BCI in embodiment and immersiveness. These traits are key for neurofeedback therapies for neurobehavioral conditions like anxiety. The cooperation between game designers and scientists overcomes the hurdle in transforming an experiment into a tool. More often than not, BCI on the road to therapeutics or other practical applications are launched in original or adapted games to demonstrate the usability of the platform. In the absence of partnerships like this, slow or stalled progress ensues on the scientific translation. We demonstrate this principle in a range of examples and in-depth with Mandala Flow State—a VR neurofeedback system that first served as an interactive installation in an art museum.