Harnessing digital health game technology to help young people build stronger and healthier lives

In March 2025, our Lab completed a HEAL-funded randomized controlled trial evaluating PlaySmart, a novel digital health game designed to prevent opioid misuse and promote mental health among adolescents. This milestone represents years of collaborative effort and engagement with youth and schools to design and rigorously test the first serious video game targeting opioid prevention in adolescents. Findings from the study will offer insights into innovative, scalable approaches to support youth well-being related to opioid misuse and mental health.

In September 2025, our Lab announced a partnership with the nonprofit Proof Positive to develop digital health games with and for young people with autism (and their families) to enhance happiness and wellbeing. The project will integrate game-based learning into Proof Positive’s evidence-based curriculum through a three-phase development, evaluation, and implementation plan over two years. 

In October 2025, our Lab received funding from Young Futures to develop PlaySocial, an innovative digital health game to promote teen mental health and digital wellbeing by addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by social media. With support from Young Futures, PlaySocial aims to establish a scalable, evidence-based family mental health intervention that centers youth voice and prioritizes culturally responsive design.