SBIR and STTR Success Story for Archimage, Inc. (Information Posted/Updated on 09/24/2006)

Archimage, Inc. 4200 Montrose Blvd. Suite 330 Houston, TX  77006 Contact:    Richard Buday Phone:      713 523-3425 Fax:          713 523-9346 E-mail:      rbuday@archimageonline.com Web Site:  http://www.archimageonline.com

Project Title:  U44 DK066724-03

Related Award(s):  Computer-based intervention for Type 2 diabetes in youth

Technology Developed: Computer games "Escape from Diab" and "Nanoswarm: Invasion from Inner Space" are designed to modify children's behavior regarding diet and exercise. The goal is preventing childhood obesity and, ultimately, type 2 diabetes. In both games, players must set and achieve diet and exercise goals to win.

Key Words:  serious games, video games, diabetes, obesity, prevention, physical activity, nutrition, children.

Uses of Technology/Products/Service: Videogames challenge players to effectively use learned information, thus providing an important education and training modality. This has given rise to the emerging genre of “serious” videogames that employ the medium’s rich, role-playing, story-based environments to teach, train and change knowledge, attitudes, and even behaviors. "Diab" and "Nanoswarm" employ traditional video games’ rich immersive capabilities to deliver positive messages through compelling situations. Players participate as characters in a story to learn through actual experience. Game design uses evidenced-based behavior modification algorithms based on tailoring, self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation. Decision-making, goal setting, and problem-solving activities occur within interactive computer environments thematically themed to storylines.