Sparx (video game)
| SPARX Video Game | |
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Sparx logo
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| Platform(s) | Computer and mobile |
| Release | June 25, 2013 |
| Genre(s) | Fantasy game |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
SPARX (Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, X-factor thoughts) is a free online computer program for New Zealand residents only, intended to help young persons with mild to moderate depression, stress or anxiety. Through the game, this e-therapy will teach them how to resolve their issues on their own, according to a talking psychotherapeutic approach called cognitive behavioural therapy. Before taking part in this game, a personality test is required to determine if SPARX will be suited and helpful for the future user.
Based in a 3D fantasy world, the game leads players through seven realms (each lasting between 30 and 40 minutes). In the beginning of SPARX, the user meets the Guide who explains what SPARX is and how it could help. Then the user customizes an avatar and starts to journey within the seven provinces in order to complete different quests. In the first level, gamers challenge GNATS (Gloomy Negative Automatic Thoughts). These GNATS fly towards the avatar and say negative things like, for example: "you're a loser". Further in the game, the user meets different characters, solves puzzles and completes mini games. As soon as a quest is completed, the Guide explains how to use new skills in order to feel better, solve problems and enjoy real life. Players complete one or two levels in the game each week, during three to seven weeks.
Up to a quarter of young people will have experienced a depressive disorder by the age of 19. This is a major cause of disability. Youth depression can affect every aspect of a teen's life and lead to the use of drugs, an abuse of alcohol and, in certain extreme cases, to suicide. Sparx is designed to help adolescents reduce their depression symptoms. Between 2009 and 2010, the Sparx team conducted an evaluation (a randomised controlled trial) of SPARX with 187 young people in order to see if it was effective in treating the symptoms of depression. They compared SPARX to standard care provided to young people with mild to moderate depression (e.g. a face-to-face therapy with a counsellor or a clinical psychologist). 170 adolescents were assessed after intervention and 168 were assessed at the three-month follow-up point. Per protocol analyses showed that SPARX was not inferior to the most commonly used treatment.
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