We know that adolescents (especially boys) prefer adventure and strategy games which employ aggressive tactics. When developing a therapeutic game we do not want to use such tasks. Does anyone have suggestions about how to keep them engaged in a therapeutic game, having same adventure and strategy characteristics, without using the same means?
You could maybe consider board or card games. They include many strategy elements and can be highly competitive, without the use of graphic violence. Aggression is not the defining feature of adventure or strategy games. In the case of adventure games, it is the challenge imposed by the game, whether through puzzles or "opposing obstacles." Similarly in strategy games, it is the competition to obtain resources and use them to meet the game objective that drives engagement.
In the case of a therapeutic game, I would establish the object of the therapy as the in-game challenge, and the use of therapeutic measures as the core game mechanic needed to solve a puzzle or overcome the game objective.
You could also employ base building as a strong strategy game mechanic. Base building (usually in the awareness of a threat) is liked by both genders. The threat could be abstract (or even the cause for the therapeutic intervention) and the results could be compared by design criteria (e. g. average wall thickness, number of holes etc.).
An old one I used to use.works with smaller groups of around 15, although can work for upto about 30.
Aim: planning, cooperation/interdependence, roles/respect (And: to have fun).
Materials: loads of old newspaper, sellotape (scotch tape), string - and anything else that seems to fit. A desperately small prize can be offered but usually the competition itself provides added incentive.
Process: (1) divide children into groups of four-five; (2) set the task "Use the materials to build the tallest structure you can!" (3) clearing up and plenary.
Look at what works in real life. E.g the extraordinary uptake and broad age range appeal of Minecraft. Can you include the ability for users to generate content, play each other or have fun.
Consider, do you need to make it fun enough for young people to do it, even if they are not seeking help for feeling bad (challenging), or, does it only need to appeal to those who are seeking help (in which case face validity is important and fun helps)
Can you find a way to co-design with young people?
There are big differences and challenges depending of the kind of therapy and format of the game.
Designing a game supported with TICs: screens and cameras, Kinect or similar technology, mobile application ... eg. is not the same that one that is not. Another factor is If the game-therapy is on a group or only one person.
I can recommend the Gamification as a possible solution, as i don't know the kind of game you plan to design, but when reading the question was the kind of game that got to mind. This tech got a plus.. if well designed ... works for most people and different ages.
Important points for engage.Good game script/plot (simple but solid), progressive difficulties, ... challenges, visuals ... Is a good practice to create the game with the help of final users.. later i will search a guide that i have.
Hope it serves you.
badgeville.com/wiki/Gamification
large audience party games fit with your description. Like Nintendo wii titles (Wii sport, mario kart...).
Other approach, can be complementary: dynamic adaptative content, based on player performance and some preset variable (age...)
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