When it comes to phobias VR can be a useful tool to help alleviate some of those fears. Some are more serious than others, Kill it With Fire VR (spiders) or Richie’s Plank Experience (height) are two highly popular gaming examples. Next to join this genre is Happy Manic’s NOPE Challenge. A game based on facing phobias via immersive challenges.
What’s to NOPE about?
NOPE Challenge is about helping players manage their intense fight, flight and freeze responses. Featuring 9 challenges to over 40 phobias, these include common ones like Heights, Clowns, and Spiders. So if you have a deathly fear of spiders – like a lot of people do – trying to overcome this phobia in a virtual space with virtual spiders is a far easier – and more comfortable – solution.
If you’re really not feeling it – as the title says – you can simply “NOPE” out of the experience by hitting the big red NOPE button. This will swiftly take you out and into a safe space.
NOPE Challenge Gameplay
The nine challenges can be tailored to your needs, featuring Light, Moderate and Extreme settings. Ease yourself in with a Light challenge. Then once you’re feeling assured enough cranked up the intensity. By the end, it’ll get your heart racing and push you to the limit.
As mentioned, there’s a NOPE button which takes you to the Breather Space. This allows you to rest, relax, recharge or explore before heading back in or choosing a completely different challenge to jump into. Every challenge gives you choices that shape the gameplay and your path through it. Giving everyone a unique experience.
NOPE Challenge Launch
Happy Manic will launch NOPE Challenge for Meta Quest headsets on 25th April 2024. The game can be wishlisted on the Meta Store now.
Do you have a phobia you’d like to overcome? Think VR could help? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.