A team of game designers in Cornwall is breaking new ground with a powerful initiative to address youth mental health through gaming. “Ace of Hearts,” a new serious video game, has been developed to help young people process and cope with adverse childhood experiences such as bereavement, poverty, and substance abuse.

The game was co-created by developers at the University of Falmouth in collaboration with young people who have faced such challenges. It forms part of a £35 million UK-wide programme aimed at improving mental health support for children and adolescents.

Unlike traditional games, Ace of Hearts is designed to spark conversation. “The main purpose of the game is to get people to talk about it afterwards,” said one of the lead developers. The goal is not only to raise awareness, but to create a safe, engaging platform where players can recognize their feelings, build resilience, and foster empathy.

Mental health experts are increasingly recognizing the role of interactive digital tools like this game in early intervention and emotional literacy among youth.