# Mindful Virtual Reality Games 'Maloka' Introduces and Teaches Mindfulness Through Gameplay By Caitlyn Fernandez | Published 2022-01-25 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maloka References: [mymaloka](https://www.mymaloka.com/about) & [oculus](https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/4014704425248676)  'Maloka' introduces the idea and sense of becoming more mindful through [meditative practice and gameplay](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urso). The game gives players a sense of accomplishment through delayed gratification. As the description says, "the more you practice, the more your island grows and flourishes into a vibrant oasis filled with plants, sculptures, and more." It is an excellent app for all ages as its soft and pleasing aesthetic can be enjoyed by everyone. The app uses [guided meditation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mybreath), mindful movements, and sound baths to achieve calm and mindfulness for busy and active minds. To ensure players won't be alone on this spiritual journey; a [spirit companion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sol-app) is given to them at the beginning to grow and evolve alongside the user while playing. Image Credit: Maloka ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Mindful Gaming:** Developing games that promote mindfulness and mental wellness can create a new market niche that capitalizes on people's desire for stress reduction and improved mental health through enjoyable activities. - **Delayed Gratification Apps:** Creating apps that reward users for taking a patient and mindful approach to personal growth can encourage better habits and behavior in users while keeping them engaged through gamification elements. - **Guided Meditation Tools:** Incorporating meditation and mindfulness practices into everyday technology helps to normalize these practices and make them more accessible to people looking to improve their mental health and reduce stress. ### Who This Affects Most - **Gaming:** Developers can explore integrating mindfulness practices into traditional gaming experiences to create a new category of wellness games rather than just entertainment. - **Health & Wellness:** The health and wellness industry can benefit from incorporating gamification and technology into their offerings to provide users with engaging, personalized, and accessible tools to manage their mental health. - **Personal Development:** Personal development companies can use technology to create new tools and experiences that are tailored to mindfulness practices, helping users to develop more self-awareness and emotional intelligence. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Virtual Meditation Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoame-1.md) - [Mental Health-Supporting Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paradise-island.md) - [Gamified Stress Reduction Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mental-health-gaming-app.md) - [Audio-Based Meditation Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mindfulness-meditation.md) - [Relaxing Light-Based VR Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cosmic-sugar.md) - [Cozy Self-Exploration Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/betwixt.md) - [Cozy Meditative Digital Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simpler-times.md) - [Mobile Gamified Wellness](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urso.md) - [Multi-Sensory Play Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meditate.md)