A free video game called Remission is helping young patients fight cancer. Created by a non-profit organization located in Palo Alto, CA. called Hopelab, the game is rated for teens and young adults. Remission is a third-person shooter following the exploits of Roxxi, a nanobot video babe who does battle with cancer and its side affects using the same weapons (treatments and medicines) that actual cancer patients use. The twenty-level game has proved challenging even for patients who are avid gamers. Remission also has a supporting website, offering a place for patients to chat with each other and search resources for information about cancer.

In addition to providing a diversion for young cancer patients, another interesting benefit came from playing the game. A recent study noted that cancer patients who played Remission became better equipped at beating the disease; game playing patients were more proactive regarding their treatments and had an improved quality of life as a result. The game is available for download at www.re-mission.net.