Gaming has the potential to offer more than just entertainment; it could also have significant health benefits by activating the parasympathetic system, according to Dr. Deepak Chopra. At the 2025 Games for Change festival in New York City, Chopra and Poonacha Machaiah, CEO of The Chopra Foundation, discussed how intentional game design and AI tools could promote emotional resilience, empathy, and mental wellness within gaming communities. Their own game, “Deepak Chopra: Meditation Oasis,” aims to help users achieve a state of relaxation and mindfulness.
Chopra emphasized the dangers of being in sympathetic overdrive, where the sympathetic nervous system is constantly activated, leading to weakened immune function. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest and digestion functions, can counteract the effects of sympathetic overdrive. By promoting interoceptive awareness, individuals can better understand and control their mind and body, optimizing their neuroendocrine function.
Gaming, when designed consciously, has the potential to activate the parasympathetic system and promote well-being. Chopra and Machaiah highlighted the importance of creating games that expand the mind rather than create stress. They introduced the concept of “Metaceuticals,” using gaming and virtual reality to enhance well-being. “Deepak Chopra: Meditation Oasis” is an example of a game that leverages sound, light, and color to induce a relaxed state.
Amir Dossal, president of the Global Partnerships Forum, sees gaming as a tool to address mental health challenges and promote overall well-being. By fostering a sense of community and collaboration, gaming can help individuals achieve peace and mental wellness. Dossal emphasized that gaming is not about winning or losing but about play and connection.
In a world where competition and stress are rampant, gaming offers a unique opportunity to unwind, connect with others, and prioritize mental health. By harnessing the power of gaming, individuals can tap into their parasympathetic system, promote interoceptive awareness, and foster a sense of well-being. The potential for gaming to positively impact mental health is vast, and with conscious design and intentionality, it can become a valuable tool for promoting emotional resilience and empathy.
