Developing games for health behavior change: Getting started

Authors: BARANOWSKI, TOM - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC); BUDAY, RICHARD - Archimage, Inc; Thompson, Deborah - Debbe; LYONS, ELIZABETH - University Of Texas Medical Branch; LU, AMY - Northwestern University; BARANOWSKI, JANICE - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: The Games for Health Journal: Research, Development, and Clinical Applications
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/10/2013
Publication Date: 8/1/2013
Citation: Baranowski, T., Buday, R., Thompson, D.J., Lyons, E.J., Lu, A.S., Baranowski, J. 2013. Developing games for health behavior change: Getting started. The Games for Health Journal: Research, Development, and Clinical Applications. 2(4):183-190.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Many investigators are considering developing video games for health (video-G4Hs) but have questions about how to get started. This report provides guidance for investigators considering a G4H as a behavioral intervention procedure from a team of experienced G4H developers. Thirteen commonly asked questions are answered, including defining a G4H, considerations in developing a team, considerations in G4H design, and anticipating unintended consequences.