Last May 27th , the French government launched an invitation for tender on serious gaming with a dedicated budget of 20 millions euros (approx. 30 millions USD). After one month and a half, the tender was closed on July 6th, the National Secretary in charge of Development of IT Economy has received more than 500 proposals and 48 successful candidates list was released on September 15th. The candidates should be allocated for their project a financial aid ranging from 150,000 euros to 1 million euros.

The selected projects covered different themes as ecology (4 projects) , educational and professional training (26 projects), video technologies and information (7 projects), sciences (3 projects) and last but not least Health with 8 projects on 48 :

• MASGAMES : Training to patient relationship management,  tension an cultural diversity management.
• CLES : Cognitive and linguistic simulation platform for Neuropsychologists and Speech Therapists.
• JESTIMULE : Tool for defining the potential uses of serious games, applied to patients suffering Pervasive Behavior Disorders.
• MEDIKIDS : Simulate the hospital course for kids to help them de-dramatize the journey and painful cares.
• MOJOS : Health oriented gaming engine. Using the serious game as complementary care after a stroke.
• SCORE : A serious game platform helping to slow neurological diseases progress.
• SG-COGR : a dedicated tool for screening, pre-diagnose,  and monitor of people suffering from cognitive disorders. SG-Cogra is also a  computerized videogame rehabilitation program.
• SKYWORLD :  A therapeutic R&D project serious game for young cancer patients

This shows that French authorities are “seriously” and officially considering the health game as a therapeutic aid for some specific disease or positive contribution in some situation to a better understanding for patients and health professionals.  I will of course let you know of any commercial or non profit release of this games if available.