Game Relief

What We Do

Gaming specialists like Scott Shaw are pioneering a new approach to pediatric care. Using video games as a way to bring normalcy and connect patients back to their friends and family, these professionals serve as digital bridges between hospitalized children and the world outside their rooms. The work includes playing games with patients and staff, supporting hospital entertainment systems, and building adaptive controllers for children with varying abilities. When a child can't use traditional controls, specialists adapt interfaces so they can use other body parts or larger buttons. Through co-pilot controllers, specialists or parents can share game controls—one person steering while another handles acceleration, creating collaborative play experiences that keep children engaged in their treatment and recovery.

We maintain and set up game systems

Xboxes, Playstations, Switches, VR, you name it - we've probably played it!

We play video games

If patients enjoy gaming and don't have a buddy to hang out with and crush some levels - we can! Playing video games with patients provides that much needed distraction and normalcy patients sometimes dont' have while they are here.

Co-treat

We can offer support to other areas of care!

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, dressing changes, port access, all kinds of things happen in a hospital. Having someone to be there next to you and play a video gam can sometimes help. We also can utilze VR to keep you focused on the experience rather than your pain or discomfort.

Special Projects

We love to create video game expereiences,Talk about coding, Hold LAN or esports style events, design some 3D models to print, 3D scan your face, or all kinds of other fun things and experiments!

Therapeutic Power of Gaming

Research consistently demonstrates that gaming serves as more than entertainment in medical settings. VR headsets can make children complete painful physical therapy exercises they previously refused, as their brains focus on the game rather than discomfort. Johns Hopkins researchers found that specially designed video games provide modest but meaningful benefits for children with anxiety, depression, and ADHD, while games requiring user participation reduce pain perception at the central brain level, making difficult procedures easier for hospital staff. Playing video games in therapeutic contexts helps children learn to overcome real-life issues, as play is a fundamental way children experiment with social experiences and work out ideal resolutions. Studies show that children receiving cancer treatment who played therapeutic VR games showed significantly fewer depressive symptoms compared to control groups, highlighting gaming's role in emotional healing alongside physical recovery.

Child Life Department

The Department of Child Life, Creative Arts Therapy & School Programs across the country helps patients and their families cope with medical experiences. Our staff promotes the use of play, preparation, education and self-expression activities as a way to normalize the hospital. Our team of certified Child Life specialists are skilled at supporting the child and their family during a stressful medical event. We strive to empower children and families, while partnering with them to meet their individual needs.

Volunteer

Player 2 volunteers are gaming enthusiasts who commit approximately 3 hours per week over 4-6 months to support hospitalized children. Think of it like "Best Buy Geek Squad for hospitals"—volunteers provide tech support, distribute games, update devices, and most importantly, play games with patients who need a friend. The program addresses two critical needs: hospitals need help maintaining gaming equipment alongside their medical responsibilities, and children benefit tremendously from having someone to play with during long stays. Volunteers must pass hospital qualification processes including interviews, background checks, immunizations, and training, with weekday availability preferred. Ready to make a difference? Apply at gamersoutreach.org or contact volunteer@gamersoutreach.org to learn more about bringing joy and normalcy to children when they need it most.