Guardians: Paradise Island

Developed by the MIT Media Lab's Affective Computing group, the application uses an abridged form of Behavioural Activation, a therapeutic approach that forms part of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Each day, the game prompts users to identify activities that are meaningful to them, complete those activities in real life, and then reflect on how the activities affected their mood.

Players are rewarded with in-game items, pets, and resources for completing these daily adventures and engaging with the reflection process. The game features collectible pets, resource management, mini-games involving the collection of mystical fruit, and progression mechanics centred around saving the fictional Paradise Island.

It is available on iOS through the Apple App Store and on Android through Google Play. The application is aimed at users seeking structured prompts and motivation to engage in mood-improving activities, and may be of interest to educators, counsellors, and pastoral staff exploring digital tools that support student wellbeing and mental health awareness.