Brain Game Technologies

Two interesting things I saw today regarding neural interfaces and computer games. First, an article from IEEE Spectrum about using neural and muscle recordings to predict how much people are enjoying playing a video game. If possible, it might help developers determine how well their multimillion dollar game development projects will pay off.

The second link is even more intriguing: the NIH is now advertising an request for SBIR proposals surrounding the combination of neural modulation and video games. Scientists have long known that neural modulation (learning to operantly condition various brain activity) can be a way of dealing with various conditions such as ADHD, but there has been relatively weak development in terms of computer games and graphics that would make such an interaction robust and enjoyable for the user. Now NIH appears ready to put some money into this venture. I'll be interested to see what gets funded.