You VS Drugs: A Brain-Based Adventure Game

Inspiration & Theme:

• Children as young as 12 or 13 are already abusing drugs, including tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, and prescription drugs (National Institute on Drug Abuse -NIDA-, 2020).
• Youngsters often underestimate the dangers of drug abuse (United Nations’ World Drug Report, 2021).
• Drug abuse in young people is a global issue that affects families and communities.

So, what can be done to prevent drug abuse in young people? According to NIDA (2020), increasing understanding of the basics of addiction can empower individuals to make informed choices in their own lives. However, with the complexity of how drugs affect the brain and produce addiction, can regular children and adults truly understand the hidden dangers of trying drugs? Is there a way to make learning about this topic fun and simple, even for children and young people?

'You VS Drugs' is the world's first brain-based adventure game that takes place inside the brain. Through engaging story arcs, cinematic cutscenes, and surprising storylines, 'You VS Drugs' not only entertains young people but also educates them about the brain bases of addiction and how different drugs affect different parts of the brain and mind. A scientific study published in 2023 showed that young adults who played the game had a better understanding of neurobiological function related to the effects of psychoactive substances and addiction. Data also suggests that the game has the same effect on minors. The abstract of the study can be found in the External Links section (Stats URL), where the full scientific article can also be downloaded.

Design & Gameplay:

The game features a chibi cartoon-style 3D graphic design of characters and settings, giving players a sense of action and fun at first glance. Friends and foes, level challenges, sounds, structures, and objects are all designed to engage players and allow them to explore, have fun, get surprised, fight, and make decisions that test their knowledge of the brain and how drugs can affect it. All in-game situations are inspired by real events in the brain.

Game Mechanics:

• Incorrect responses to 'path questions' can lead to situations that diminish energy levels.
• Correct responses to 'path questions' earn points. Enough points will allow the discovery of a special feature in the camp’s hospital.
• Players' choices can affect the energy levels of their AI teammates.
• To complete the first half of a level, players must take care of their fellow(s).
• Once a level is completed, the subsequent level is unlocked.
• Before a new level starts, players can improve their weapons or learn new skills at the camp’s gym.

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
  
• OS *: Windows 7, 8 or 10
  
• Processor: CPU: 3GHz Dual Core (Intel Pentium G3220 or higher / AMD A4-4000 or higher)
  
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
  
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 550 or better / ATI Radeon HD 5850 or better
  
• DirectX: Version 10
  
• Storage: 2 GB available space
  
• Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Card

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
  
• OS *: Windows 7, 8 or 10
  
• Processor: 2.8GHz Quad Core (Intel Core i5-2300 or higher / AMD A8-3850 or higher)
  
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
  
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 640 or better / ATI Radeon HD 6670 or better
  
• DirectX: Version 11
  
• Storage: 4 GB available space
  
• Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Card