PS Photography / Jade Esmeralda
If a mindfulness-inspired shooting game seems like an unlikely mash-up, you wouldn’t be wrong. But that’s the premise behind Zengence, a virtual reality, first-person shooter game that tasks you with defeating your enemies – using your breath. Think Dracarys à la “House of the Dragon,” but you’re inhaling and exhaling toward reducing anxiety, rather than complete annihilation.
I’ve loved video games since I was younger, and although I’m not a regular gamer these days, I still see them as a way to connect with family and friends. So I was intrigued by Zengence’s philosophy of better wellness through gaming. You often hear that video games are bad for your health and mental well-being. But Ryan Douglas, the co-founder, chair, and therapeutic designer of DeepWell DTx, the tech company that developed Zengence, tells PS that the research doesn’t necessarily bear that out.
Douglas’s own deep dive into the science of video games revealed that they can be “fantastic therapy delivery” and in Zengence, the team “wanted to make a point that shooting games aren’t bad for you.” And their approach seems to be working. In fact, the company’s biofeedback software development kit for games, which they use in Zengence, just received FDA clearance to be used as over-the-counter treatment for stress reduction.
Personally, I love the adrenaline-rush of button-smashing fighting games, like Tekken, Street Fighter, and Mortal Kombat, and also timeless classics like Mario Kart, Zelda, and Pokémon. I can totally understand how video games can be a way to embrace the uniqueness of your own identity, as well as the trend towards more interactive games designed for exergaming, physical activity, and movement. The concept behind Zengence of a fun, fantasy-inspired shooting game, combined with an angle of finding your zen through breathwork and meditation was compelling and made me interested to give it a try.
The brand sent us a Meta device with a copy of Zengence to try out. Read on for my honest impressions of the game.
DeepWell DTx
What I Like About Zengence
When I entered the Zengence world, my first impression was one of nostalgia. There was no one element that reminded me of the games of my youth, including Zelda, Final Fantasy, or Spyro, but the combination of relaxing lo-fi music, creative and abstract artwork, fantasy-inspired design, and the mission – to use magical elements to fight off the bad forces of evil “Wraiths” – evoked fond memories.
DeepWell DTx
The shooting game doesn’t offer a traditional walkthrough; instead, you can dive right in to level one without step-by-step instructions. (If you need more instruction, Zengence also lets you play around in a separate area of the game, the Zen Garden. This focuses more on an instructional follow-along, allowing you to practice techniques like box breathing. Any of the rewards you gain from the Zen Garden stage can transfer over to the normal gameplay.)
In the game, you’re encouraged to use breathwork – which may look like just inhaling and exhaling, or incorporating vocalizing and humming – to dodge the Wraiths. Everything you do within the Zengence universe has intention and purpose: to help you identify, push away, and let go of anxious thoughts, and develop a stronger connection to your breath. The techniques you use are intended to stimulate the vagus nerve, which can help relax you and get out of your head, according to Douglas.
I loved how using your breath to dispel evil baddies like Wraiths could translate into learning to use your breath to tackle difficulties or dispel negative thoughts. Dealing with anxiety, depression, or burnout can be overwhelming. Many people play games to help them unwind or distract themselves from those negative emotions; knowing that the game is designed to help you stay present and build resilience is a huge plus.
DeepWell DTx
A small detail, but I also liked the music, especially the lo-fi style tracks, which are one of my favorites for studying or working; it helps me focus and concentrate.
In general, I thought the concept of combining meditation-like breathwork and a first-person shooter game was super-innovative, and I’m interested to see if this time of video game becomes more popular in the future.
What to Consider Before Trying Zengence
This is more of a general concern about VR games, but: make sure you have enough space around you to avoid any accidents. You definitely don’t want to bump into anything sharp while you’re moving around. You can play the game while staying in place, but you’ll notice that the in-game features can change when you actually move.
PS Photography / Jade Esmeralda
For the best mental health outcomes, you should aim to play for 15 minutes a day, three times a week, Douglas tells PS. If you have any preexisting health conditions, or are unsure about your fitness level, it’s a good idea to check with your primary healthcare professional or clinician before diving in. Just like any physical activity, it’s best to get a professional opinion from your healthcare provider. And remember, if you breathe too quickly, you might feel a bit lightheaded!
Also, you’ll need to have a Meta Quest ($300-$1,000) of your own to play the game. I don’t have a Meta myself, but the brand loaned me one to try. If cost is a financial barrier, Meta does sell refurbished devices, including a refurbished Meta Quest 2 ($190), which may fit your budget better.
Finally, it’s worth noting that while the research into how video games affect mental health may be promising, more studies need to be done before any final conclusions can be drawn. Still, it’s interesting to see studies suggesting that intentionally designed video games can help, rather than hurt, mental health. For example, in a small study of 46 clinically depressed individuals, research from Frontiers in Psychiatry suggests that video games might have the potential to make people feel better and even improve working memory. And a systematic review from the JMIR Mental Health noted that even a few minutes of playing video games can help people relax and may help decrease stress and anxiety and increase self-image.
Who the Zengence Video Game Is Best For
Zengence is perfect for anyone who loves exploring new types of video games. It’s also great for people who are into breathwork, meditation, and rising trends in the wellness space.
This game suggests exciting new possibilities for future mental health treatments. If you’re feeling stressed out and juggling multiple responsibilities, this game could be just what you need to help you find some balance.
Additional Details About Zengence
- Zengence is compatible with Meta Quests 2 and 3.
- Zengence is rated E for Everyone 10 years and older. In general, the content in the video game is suitable and appropriate for ages 10 and up.
- As described in the Meta Game store, it may contain more cartoon, fantasy elements, or mild violence and language, and/or minimal suggestive themes.
- The game includes upwards of 30 levels.
- There are daily challenges designed to continue to develop your skills.
Where Is Zengence Available?
You can buy the Zengence: Take Aim with Every Breath ($20) video game in the Meta Game Store. It is compatible with Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 VR headsets.
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Jade Esmeralda, MS, CSCS, is a health and fitness staff writer and a strength and conditioning specialist. A lifelong martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength and conditioning, sports science, and human performance. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in exercise science and strength and conditioning from George Washington University.
