Cerebral Palsy Therapy Game
“The Lost Magic of Dagon” is a smart occupational therapy game which uses a LEAP Motion to engage children with Cerebral Palsy in therapeutic hand exercises. In addition to its therapeutic properties, the game uses a linear quest-based storyline to motivate adherence.
To better understand cerebral palsy and the interests of children aged 8-12, we deployed a survey, conducted interviews with individuals with cerebral palsy and occupational therapists, and deployed a drawing exercise in the park to gain this insight. From our research, we found that video games and magic were highly motivating topics for our target group.
Therefore, we created “The Lost Magic of Dagon”. The child plays as the hero, Vesper, who engages in a variety of quests to restore a lost magic that was swept away from the villagers of Dagon by a dark wind. Vesper must cast spells and perform magic tasks, such as turning a crystal ball, to find and return hidden magic orbs.
The hand exercises that the child with cerebral palsy must practice were the foundation for our game mechanics. The crystal ball task engages dorsal flexion, and the gem placement task engages the pincer grip. Using Unity and the LEAP Motion, we brought these game tasks to life.
