No real, refreshing soda included
[Update:Destructoid has received an email from Sean Halloran at Myomo, explaining more about how people have receivedSoda Drinker Pro:
“Right now, Soda Drinker Pro for the MyoPro is still right out of development, and we have sent it to some select patients… for feedback. We should hear back from the first of them any time now, so I’ll keep you updated!”
Halloran also explained the in more depth howSoda Drinker Profor the MyoPro came to be:
“Although our previous games have not been as refreshing asSoda Drinker Pro, as per lack of soda, we have still had great success with them too. Our other games currently include our version ofPongcalled Bounce, and we are soon releasing a top down arcade space shooter calledMyoSpace…
The article below has been update to reflect this new information, and we’ll be sure to update you should we hear any more.]
Soda Drinker Prois a game about pulling a big cup of pop up to your lips and taking a huge, wet gulp. You can just gulp it down in a variety of differently coloured parks, and some weirder settings too. Interestingly, now the game has taken on a new role:Soda Drinker Prois being used to help disabled people regain the use of their arms.
The new function ofSoda Drinker Procomes part of a partnership between the developers and the medical device theMyoPro.a brace worn on weak arms. It uses a non-invasive brain-to-device interface to move, and is meant to provide adequate support for lifting and daily use of the arm. This video below shows how the MyoProworks:
The problem was training people how to use theMyoPro.Many were turning up to Occupational Therapy without knowing how to use it, making the therapy less effective. The team who designed theMyoProapproached developers to make simple games to teach people how to use their arm with the device. After some success with games such asBounce, a Pong-styled game, and an arcade shooter calledMyoSpace, the team were introduced toSoda Drinker Pro.
From there,Soda Drinker Prowas made to work with theMyoPro. Players can now learn to control their arm by simply drinking virtual pop, an action that does require some amount of limb control. You can see the game in action with theMyoProbelow:
Destructoid have asked the team behind theMyoProwhat the response to this from actual users of the brace has been, and we will update with a response as soon as we get one.
Personally, I think this is absolutely brilliant. A quirky game that was originally a one-joke affair, has found a new use actually helping people.
