Worcester College Students Create Video Game To Reduce Social Isolation

WORCESTER, Mass. — A college in Worcester partnered with the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance to explore how game-based tools could help people living with schizophrenia and psychosis rebuild social connections and communication skills.

Clark University’s Becker School of Design & Technology partnered with the group to focus on addressing social isolation, a major challenge for people with serious mental illness. Loneliness and disconnection are among the most difficult aspects of living with schizophrenia, often fueled by stigma, disrupted education and employment, and reduced social confidence, according to S&PAA.

“Through this partnership we are seeking a transitional way to rebuild social skills and form real connections,” said Davy Yue, an S&PAA care coordinator. “One that can help translate those gains into friendships, employment, and a path toward rebuilding daily life.”

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As part of the initiative, S&PAA representatives worked directly with students to demonstrate how multiplayer and cooperative games can foster communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Students then applied those concepts to develop early-stage digital tools to support recovery and connection.

About 80 students participated in the project, working in teams to design and test prototypes with feedback from faculty and S&PAA leaders. Final concepts were presented earlier this month.

The work was led by Professor Terrasa Ulm through the school’s Serious Game Project course, which encourages students to create games for purposes beyond entertainment.

“It was a privilege to be given the opportunity to develop a serious game that will bridge this gap in care,” Ulm said. “Our students embraced this opportunity to create a meaningful experience that could improve lives.”

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Clark officials say the project reflects a growing movement to expand mental health support beyond traditional clinical care by addressing social needs through innovative tools.

“Clark students applied their creativity and technical skills to one of the most urgent challenges in mental health — reducing isolation and helping people create social connections,” said Gary Labovich, a board member of both Clark University and S&PAA.

The university has increasingly focused on “serious games,” or games designed for education and social impact. Since 2024, the Becker School has collaborated internationally on similar projects and hosted a conference drawing hundreds of participants to discuss using games to address issues like climate awareness and autism support.

Clark plans to continue that work this fall with a symposium titled “Digital Tools to Reduce Isolation in Schizophrenia,” bringing together leaders in healthcare, research, and technology.

“At the Becker School, we see games not just as entertainment, but as powerful tools for empathy, learning, and impact,” said Dean Paul Cotnoir.

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