Serious Games Initiatives
Algoma Games for Health
Algoma Games for Health (www.agfh.ca) is a video game development studio with a focus on research and development of game technology for health care applications, particularly video games for rehabilitation and therapy. Formed in partnership with Algoma University’s Masters in Game Technology program (MScCGT) as well as leading health care researchers, Algoma Games for Health is uniquely positioned to combine world-class game development expertise with cutting edge health care research.
Algoma Games for Health is a serious games initiative bringing together researchers, medical professionals, and game developers to improve health and health care and to forge connections between the video game and health care communities. This initiative will 1) improve lives by providing practical solutions to everyday problems faced by people with disabilities and those encountering old age, through innovative approaches to rehabilitation and therapy. 2) Get creative ideas out of the research labs and into the market so that people can use them as soon as possible. 3) Develop cost effective treatments that help people to remain independent and healthy, keeping them out of long-term health facilities and hospitals while lessening costs to the health care system. 4) Provide valuable research and employment opportunities for individuals interested in innovative applications of video game technologies and methodologies.
Currently we're developing game prototypes to assist with the recovery of language skills for individuals who have suffered a stroke. The use of game technologies for this purpose has a number of advantages. For example, games can automatically collect valuable research data and monitor patient progress, they can be delivered to those in need in a cost effective manner that is not restricted by geographical concerns or proximity to therapists, and games can be designed to be highly motivating, increasing the likelihood that individuals will follow the therapy needed for recovery.
If you are interested in making a positive impact in society, consider studying at Algoma University. We are partnered with Toronto Rehabilitation in serious games initiatives, giving students the opportunity to learn more about this exciting industry and perhaps take part in the efforts.
As we grow and continue to work on initiatives, more opportunities for work in this field will arise. Be a part of leading edge research and practice at Algoma University and study here in games technology. Contact Dwayne Hammond dwayne.hammond@algomau.ca or visit www.agfh.ca for more information on Algoma University's partnership with Toronto Rehabilitation.