Serious Games for Health

Computer and video games are discussed publicly above all with regard to potential risks and the protection of minors. New developments in games advertise themselves by using the potential of so-called “Exergames” to increase fitness as players have to demonstrate physical involvement. On the contrary, a great deal less attention has been paid to date to games, which use their entertainment potential to communicate pedagogical and socially relevant topics, be that in the context of politics, medicine and health promotion.

In the context of the topic,“Serious Games for Health”, and of expert opinion on it, a survey of the status of the research and the potential of these computer games for health promotion is demonstrated.