frequent QUESTIONS

How is Playnormous involved with research?

We have been working with researchers since 2001, making interactive media that changes health behaviors in kids. The Playnormous site was created as a way to deliver health games to the public at large. This process began with the creation of Food Fury, a University of Texas Health Science Center research project funded by the Aetna Foundation.

We would love to be a part of your research! Contact us to learn how our expertise in health game development can make your research project more interactive, engaging, fun and effective.

Do you create custom games for researchers?

Yes! At Playnormous, our award-winning artists and programmers specialize in the design and construction of games that change health behaviors. We can create a custom game just for you or your organization.

Can I use an existing Playnormous game for my research?

We can license Playnormous games to researchers who don't necessarily need a custom game. We can deliver the game as-is, or we can re-skin (change the environment and/or artwork) to suit your specific project needs. We can even add your organization's logo, create a private website around the game, and build a backend database for all of your data collection needs.

Can I use the Playnormous site to collect data for my research project?

To respect the privacy of the people that visit Playnormous, we do not collect personal data on public users. However, if you want to use the Playnormous site for a research project, we can create a separate password-protected site that collects data specifically on your study participants.

Can my organization sponsor the creation of a new game for the Playnormous site?

We are always looking for sponsors that want to help make families healthier. We are also always looking to create new games for the site. If you are interested in funding the creation of a game that reflects your organization's healthy mission, we'd be happy to talk to you.

I'm applying for a grant. Can I include Playnormous in my proposal?

We would love to be a part of your research. We create games for clients that have existing programs as well as clients just stepping into the health games field. We have a lot of experience with the grant-writing process. Once we know your needs, we can provide you with the necessary documentation to include health game development by Playnormous in your proposal.

Can you make health games that target specific audiences or populations?

Absolutely. Our designers have experience making health games and other interactive media for school children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. We also know how to reach specific demographics and people from diverse backgrounds. See the portfolio of our parent company, Archimage, to view other projects we have done with researchers.

Do you just make games about nutrition and physical activity?

We can create games on any topic; all we need is your expert content. Our goal at Playnormous is to improve the lives of the public, and part of meeting that goal includes expanding into all kinds of health fields. We'd love to hear about your field of research so please contact us.

How much do health games cost?

It depends. To determine final cost, there are a lot of factors to consider. Project timeline, complexity of gameplay, amount of content, art assets, sound, number of levels, and data collection are just a few of the things we'll need to talk about. We work with all kinds of budgets and can tailor a game to fit your budgetary needs.

How long does it take to make a health game?

Like cost, timelines differ depending on the scope of the project. Contact us with more details on your needs so we can give you a better idea of how long it would take to get your game up and running.

I keep hearing about health games, but I know very little about them. How can I find out more?

We love to educate researchers and clinicians about how they can use health games in their practices and programs. We have given our "Video Games 101" presentation to numerous government agencies, top universities, non-profits, and businesses. Contact us if you'd like a presentation done at your facility.

    • Colorful classroom posters now available in the Monster Gear Store!

    • Playnormous is recognized as a quality health information website for children and parents.

    • Playnormous health games on CD-ROM

    • FREE teacher guides available, complete with student assessments and classroom activities.

    • Connect with your inner cook and explore our wide variety of fun, healthy, kid-friendly recipes.

    • "I learned muffins are grains and I eat those for brunch on Sunday."
    • - Austin, Kindergartener
    • "Playnormous games help our class learn how to eat healthy."
    • - Guinndalyn, Second Grader
    • "My favorite game is Bubble Rubble because it is hard but still fun. I like it when I get extra lives."
    • - Dylan, First Grader
    • "When we play games on the computer at Playnormous.com we are learning and having fun at the same time."
    • - Izzy, Second Grader