In 2010, Grendel Games in partnership with surgeon, Dr. Henk ten, presented an early prototype of their innovative laparoscopic training concept at Games for Health. Fast forward five years and they have managed to develop a truly immersive and addictive training platform, Underground, available now for download through the Nintendeo eShop. The platform utilizes the Nintendo Wii U console with an innovative controller system that feels remarkably similar to real-life laparoscopic instruments.
The Underground game delivers a beautifully crafted narrative and surprisingly engaging user experience that you find yourself drawn into. The platform has undergone construct, concurrent, and face validation both as a tool for training of basic laparoscopic skills and procedural warm-up for experienced laparoscopic surgeons. There are additional validation studies in progress but this is definitely a promising application of gamification to surgical skills training. The value beyond training of surgical professionals is inspiring the next generation of middle and high school students to pursue careers in medicine. We can’t wait to see what Grendel Games and Dr. Henk ten have in store for the future. Check out the Underground trailer here:
Beyond Underground, Medgadget had the opportunity to sit down with the founders of Grendel Games, Jan-Jaap Severs and Tim Laning. It is refreshing to see talented artists and software developers applying their craft to the development of games that provide meaningful health benefits. In parallel, they are developing Songs of Elstryn: Oath of the Gryphon in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Medical Centre Groot Klimmendaal for rehabilitation of children with balance disorders. Check out a preview of the game:
Product page: Underground…
Flashback: Games For Health 2010: “Disney-esque” Laparoscopy Game to Train Our Surgeons of Tomorrow… Today!