Video Games For Health

Embark on a comprehensive program at the forefront of the intersection between medical science and video game design. Throughout this program, you'll delve into essential medical subjects, including cardiovascular physiology, neurophysiology, and mental health. Through a three-week program, high school students will design their own game that will have a positive impact on health. 

Our program's primary focus is on the art of game design, encompassing critical aspects such as storytelling, character development, plot construction, and using game development tools like Roblox and Unity. You will have the opportunity to learn from leaders in these fields, including accomplished designers and creative professionals.

As the program reaches its conclusion, you will be able to showcase your accomplishments at a symposium, presenting your video game design.

No prior experience in health or game design is required, as we encourage a diverse range of participants from various backgrounds, both within the sciences and the arts. By the end of the program, you will have not only created a meaningful game design but also gained a deeper understanding of medical science. This unique program leverages the resources of our institution to help you forge lasting connections within a community of like-minded, dedicated learners.

What you can expect:

In the mornings, attendees will learn the principles of positive game design in the morning covering storytelling, character, plot, level design, and game play. In the afternoons, Stanford Medical School faculty will give lectures and discussion on the principles of the physiology of gaming covering cardiovascular physiology, neuroscience and mental health as well as applications of video games to science and treating disease. The goal is for students to develop a richly designed video game that has a positive impact on health. Lunch is provided. Admission is rolling.

Mission: To design a video game that has a positive impact on health.

Dates:  June 15- July 2, 2026 | M-F 10AM-3PM 

Faculty: Dr. Karleen Giannitrapani and Reza Habibi, PhD candidate in Computer Informatics and Media

Cost: $3,950 in-person at the Stanford School of Medicine or $3,450 virtual.

Questions? Contact: medicineandthemuse@stanford.edu