Technology company partners with Channel 4 to launch stress-busting virtual reality game

A Coventry-based technology company has teamed up with Channel 4 to launch a virtual reality game to help people tackle anxiety and stress.

eLearning Studios, based on Far Gosford Street, has created a game called Soar: Tree Of Life that aims to improve people’s focus, reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Within the game, smartphone and tablet users play the role of a bird that is aiming to restore colour to seven forgotten islands by travelling from tree to tree.

The game is currently available to play on iOs, Android and Apple TV devices, with the virtual reality version set to launch by August.

The game was created by eLearning Studios in partnership with Channel 4’s All 4 Games over a two year period, and also used the expertise of Coventry University stress management experts Dr Gail Steptoe-Warren and Nigel Wilson.

Coventry and Leamington-based accountants and financial advisers Harrison Beale & Owen (HB&O) assisted with the project by submitting successful claims for Video Games Tax Relief providing payable tax credits in excess of £60,000.

Nitin Thakrar, managing director at eLearning Studios, said: “This game is ideal for the non-traditional gamer who is in need of some quick relaxation after a hard day at work – unlike most games, there’s no points or competition.

“This is a game that is driven by scientific research. During the game build, we worked with occupational therapists and psychologists from Coventry University to understand how and why people get stressed and how people can relax.

“They looked at three key areas – stress management, cognition and mindfulness – all of which the game helps with.

“The main reason people get stressed is because they’ve got too much on their plate – and this game encourages people to false-consciously take one thing at a time by travelling from tree to tree.

“The game is still in its early stages of development but so far we’ve had some fantastic reviews of the game, particularly around how relaxed people feel – and eventually I’d love us to pass the one million download mark.

“The build of the game has been a long and complex one, and without HB&O making us aware of the tax relief we wouldn’t have been able to have completed the project to the high standards that we have done.”