Virtual Reality and Mobius Floe: Cognitive Distraction as Non-Pharmacological Analgesic for Pain Management

This paper outlines the intentions and current design behind the production of Mobius Floe, an immersive virtual reality game catered to acute and chronic pain patients. Researchers have shown that immersive virtual reality (VR) can serve as a non-pharmacological analgesic by inducing cognitive distraction in acute pain patients [Hoffman 2000]. Mobius Floe experiments with virtual reality as well as auditory immersion, a more experimental approach to cognitive distraction for pain relief; the results will be tested by acute as well as chronic pain patients to determine if chronic sufferers can benefit from similar VR practices as their acute counterparts. Mobius Floe’s game design is informed by contemporary game design theory and cognitive psychology in order to improve its distractive properties.