Microsoft has announced a new association. This time around, the Xbox family joins forces with Calm. Yes, the application dedicated to meditation, relaxation and sleep improvements. Now, Calm will offer for the first time sounds based on popular game soundtracksand is available starting today for all Calm Premium subscribers.
If you have a subscription to the service, you can already access sounds based on the popular Halo Infinite Y sea of thieves. Both exclusive to Xbox and Windows consoles. Whether you require it to sleep, relax or meditate, Calm makes them available to you in its extensive library.
What do we hear in each of the relaxing sounds based on video games? The press release describes the experience as one that allows you to “enjoy the meditative sounds of swirling waves and the chatter of the birds of the oceanic expanse of sea of thieves“. As for Halo Infinitedescribe the “alien environmental sounds of Zeta”.
Xbox wants to pay more attention to the mental health of its players
The collaboration with Calm comes as an effort by Xbox to bring mental health issues closer to its player base. For this reason, although a subscription to Calm Premium costs $69.99 per year, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will receive a period test free for three months; along with a 50% discount on the price of the first year.
But how reliable is Calm? While these types of sounds have been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, cannot be considered substitutes for mental health care. A meta-review on this type of apps published in 2022 showed that its effectiveness can be “small to moderate in relation to nothing”. That is, they are better than no treatment at all, but they cannot replace real therapies and interventions.
Microsoft creates safe spaces in its games
According to a global survey commissioned by Xbox, 54% of gamers claimed to use video games as a means of relieving stress. For this reason, they have created a new section in the Xbox Game Pass library. There, they present stories that could “provide an escape from the trials of life” for players.
Among these titles, Xbox has highlighted Stardew Valley, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Unpacking, Persona 5 Royal Y Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.
These last two are an interesting choice by Microsoft. After all, these are titles that they touch quite mature and traumatic themesand with a rather dark setting. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrificefor example, shows us a simulation of psychosis. Persona 5 Royal, on the other hand, has a warning alluding to suicide. So keep that in mind before embarking on these deep waters.
