Seattle Children's Hospital Launches Therapeutic Gaming Initiative in Minecraft
In a remarkable stride towards enhancing the experiences of young patients, Seattle Children's Hospital has launched an innovative therapeutic gaming initiative that brings the hospital environment to life within the popular game Minecraft. This pioneering project creates a unique intersection between play and healing, allowing pediatric patients to explore their surroundings in a virtual setting.
Seattle Children's is the first pediatric hospital to recreate its physical space in Minecraft, thanks to a years-long collaboration with Mojang Studios and Hive Games. This initiative introduces the Seattle Children's Minecraft Server, a secure, hospital-supported multiplayer environment tailored specifically for pediatric patients. The server offers a safe and engaging platform for patients to connect, interact, and play, even while confined to their hospital rooms.
Dr. Henry Ou, a pediatric otolaryngologist at Seattle Children's, dedicated over 500 hours to the intricate design of the hospital within Minecraft. His commitment is rooted in a desire to ease the fear and isolation that often accompany hospital stays for young patients. "When kids are hospitalized, especially for extended periods, their options for entertainment and social interaction are limited," Dr. Ou noted. "Our hope is that by allowing patients to explore the hospital virtually, they'll feel more connected and less anxious about their stay. We also want this experience to help reduce anxiety for those anticipating a hospital visit or surgery."
The Minecraft server incorporates elements of survival and mini-games, catering to school-aged players. It is accessible in over 10 languages, ensuring inclusivity for a diverse patient population.
This initiative is part of Seattle Children's broader therapeutic gaming strategy, which leverages video games, virtual reality, and other technologies to enhance patient care. These tools are designed to improve patient experiences, provide distraction from pain, and promote social interaction and rehabilitation.
Ryan Cooper, Head of Minecraft Game Experience at Mojang Studios, expressed his excitement about the collaboration. "We understand that Minecraft is more than just a game for many kids. Our teams have worked tirelessly to create a special world for Seattle Children's patients, hoping it inspires their creativity and imagination."
The Seattle Children's Minecraft Server marks a significant advancement in merging entertainment with therapeutic care, driven by the hospital's mission to provide hope, care, and cures. With generous support from Mojang Studios and Hive Games, this initiative exemplifies the transformative power of innovation in enhancing patient outcomes and experiences.