# Computer games help convicts cope By Greg Ponesse | Published 2006-03-22 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/computer-games-help-convicts-cope References: [news.bbc](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4818128.stm) Oregon's prison system in the US is turning to computer games to help rehabilitate felons. Inmates who have a clean disciplinary record for 18 months are being given a chance to buy a small handheld game console. The gadget has 50 simple games onboard that can be played through small TVs fixed in cells. The Oregon state prison system said the gadgets also help to stem some of the trouble incarceration often provokes. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 66% | Activity: 11% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Gamification in Rehabilitation:** Implementing computer games as a tool for inmate rehabilitation and behavior modification in prisons. - **Technology as a Rehabilitative Medium:** Using handheld game consoles as a means to engage and educate inmates while promoting positive behavior change. - **Inmate Access to Entertainment:** Providing incarcerated individuals with access to video games and other forms of entertainment for self-expression and stress relief. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Prison System:** Integrating technology and gamification into prison systems to enhance rehabilitation programs and reduce recidivism rates. - **Gaming Industry:** Developing and adapting video games specifically for the rehabilitation of inmates, creating a new niche market. - **Entertainment Technology:** Exploring the potential for handheld game consoles and similar devices in correctional facilities, catering to the needs of incarcerated individuals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hackable Handheld Gaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/8bitcade-level-up.md) - [Gamified Rehabilitation Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gamified-rehabilitation-system.md) - [Focus-Enhancing Gaming Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brainblink.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Outdoor Play](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/getting-kids-outdoors.md) - [Socially Adept Gaming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-robots.md) - [Elderly-Friendly Gaming Subscriptions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elderly-friendly-gaming-subscription.md) - [Brain Training Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brainblink-brainblink.md) - [Mindful Handheld Gaming Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kimera-handheld-gaming-console.md) - [Child-Focused Handheld Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-boyinspired-kids-device.md)