A meditative and psychoactive VR game that's controlled by players' breathing

Deep is a virtual reality game created for the Oculus Rift headset, in which players explore a beautiful underwater world designed to reduce their anxiety and stress. The game was inspired by designer Owen LL Harris' own struggle with these issues and his desire to create a digital zen garden where he could relax after a tough day.
Players are taught to use yogic breathing techniques (monitored by a custom-made Deep controller strapped to their chest) to control their movements around the game environment. Diaphragmatic breathing has long been used to combat stress and anxiety, and Deep successfully brings ancient techniques together with cutting-edge technology. Virtual reality therapy has proved to be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder and phobias, and Deep couples these capabilities with the power of diaphragmatic breathing to enable users to gain better control of their bodies.
Health and technology are increasingly common bedfellows, from wearables like Olive, which helps users to understand and manage their stress levels, to a growing number of motivational apps such as the Checkpoint Race, which provide extra incentive to follow a fitness regime.

It is often argued that the hyper connectivity of modern society is a contributing factor in the increasing prevalence of anxiety and stress, and Deep is part of a growing movement towards using technology to manage these afflictions, making us more aware of our bodies and encouraging mindfulness. Deep moves beyond monitoring, and actively helps users to reduce the potentially crippling effects of stress and anxiety.