Game

The unearthing of 2,000-year-old boards has given historians a new insight into an ancient game akin to chess that was played much earlier, by everyone from royals to commoners in society – before it seemingly vanished from society.

An Oxford University study showed that playing the eponymous video game Powerwash Simulator showed a small improvement in the moods of more than 70% of its participants. In fact, it was found to be more effective than watching TV or reading.

A great deal of attention is often given to the negative effects of video games. But for several years researchers have discovered games also have the capacity to generate a number of cognitive benefits, including improvements to decision-making skills.

Austin-based game developer Frank Force has won the Best Illusion of the Year prize for his mind-bending yet simple animation of twisting rings that seem to be rotating in different directions simultaneously.

Depression Quest is a web-based text adventure game that aims to offer some insight into the mind of a clinically depressed person and also raise awareness of depression.

A new study by a University of Warwick researcher has demonstrated that scientists trying to model a range of processes could use an Xbox 360 chip to get all the power and capabilities they need.