Zoezi Park - A Game for Fall Prevention for Healthy Aging, Wellness and Balance - First Crowdfunding Initiative Launched to Address a $28B Public Health Problem

LOS ANGELES, June 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Marble launches its first crowdfunding campaign to develop an interactive falls prevention video game called Zoezi Park, an initiative facilitated by the Alfred E. Mann Institute at the University of Southern California and When You Wish.

Using cameras and sensors to track movement, the video game creates a computer-generated avatar that mimics the player onscreen. Playing from their home, gym or rehab facility, Zoezi Park guides the player through activities to improve balance and physical strength while recording data of their progress. The data can be viewed by any healthcare professional with an internet connection.

As a company, Blue Marble's history has primarily been developing games for service members and veterans who have experienced mild traumatic brain injuries and concussions. Their previous products were funded by the Department of Defense (DOD) and include Treasure of Bell Island and RESET, which are 'gamified' assessments and interventions for cognitive skills.

The National Institute on Aging supported the concept and funded the initial development of Zoezi Park. But due to the government's budget sequestration, funding is no longer available. Because of this, Blue Marble is asking for public support, through crowdfunding, to assist them.

Each day 10,000 baby boomers turn 65, with one out of three of them experiencing a fall each year. Medical costs from falls in 2010 were more than 28-billion dollars. That cost is expected to increase to 50-billion over the next 10 years. Each fall-related injury costs $48,000 on average.

About Blue Marble Game Company

The games of Blue Marble Rehab Inc. entertain, engage, educate and challenge physical and cognitive skills for people of all ages and abilities. Players can engage the games anywhere at any time using a mobile tablet. Contact Sheryl Flynn, [email protected], 213-537-0771,  for media opportunities to interview seniors, veterans and therapists who use Blue Marble Games.

About the Alfred E. Mann Institute

The mission of the Alfred E. Mann Institute for Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California is to help bridge the gap between biomedical innovation and the creation of commercially-successful medical products to improve and save lives.

SOURCE Blue Marble; Alfred E. Mann Institute at the University of Southern California; When You Wish