Videogame-based smoking cessation

These two NIH funded projects involve developing video games that incorporate evidence-based contingency management interventions in to the context of fun and engaging video games to promote smoking cessation. Contingency management involves delivering incentives contingent on objective evidence of smoking abstinence. To verify abstinence, we have participants submit videos of themselves breathing in to a carbon monoxide monitor. If the participant has not been smoking, s/he will be given a video game-based reward. One of the games, Up from the Ashes, consists of a post-apocalyptic environment where players are trying to rejuvinate their city  and world by building housing, water purification plants, research plants, theaters, and so on. One way to earn the resources to do this is by submitting videos showing that they have not been smoking, and the longer a person is abstinent, the better the rewards for their game. Players are also organized in to groups so that they can support other people who are trying to quit by giving them special gifts that are based on the person’s success with not smoking, and they can earn group rewards by working together on special tasks. The second game that we are developing is called Breath Free and it is for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Although the game is different, the same general principles are applied to both. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this study, please email the Principal Investigator at raiff@rowan.edu.