Best Student Game Awards 2025

Mouseworks "FLOAT" (Germany)

Jennifer Bel - Artist
Emil Judin - Artist
Kevin Bruno - Producer, Sound
Lars Gohde - Programmer
Marius Maucher - Programmer
Sebastian Dreschmann - Game Design

How a VR Game is Transforming Prosthetics Myoelectric hand prostheses are considered state-of-the-art, but they are very expensive (up to €80,000) and in many countries not covered by health insurance. The reason: costly technology and lengthy individual training in specialized labs. As a result, many people worldwide (over 30 million live with a prosthesis) are forced to rely on mechanical prostheses – more affordable, but far more limited in functionality and everyday usability. This is where our project comes in: Together with the Frankfurt-based startup MyoMod, we are developing the mixed-reality game FLOAT for the Meta Quest 2+.The goal is to collect myoelectric data in a playful way, which is needed for the customization of prostheses. In the game, players explore a colorful, floating island world that can be controlled via hand tracking.The eleven primary human hand gestures – from fist to flat hand – are integrated into the core gameplay: one gesture creates islands, players solve puzzles, and they help the creatures of this world, the Pookis. Meanwhile, players wear an armband that measures muscle impulses.This data is anonymized and securely transmitted to MyoMod.To build a usable model, around 150 gestures per person are required. That’s why the game experience is designed to be smooth, immersive, free of motion sickness, and to last about 30 minutes. The combination of VR gameplay and medical data collection makes it possible to build an AI-powered data pool that could drastically shorten – or even eliminate – the need for lengthy prosthesis customization. Instead, the prosthesis would already be trained on the previously donated myoelectric data and thus be ready to use immediately. What makes FLOAT special: A VR game that combines fun with social impact Playful recording of hand gestures via hand tracking . Myoelectric data is transmitted securely, anonymized, and encrypted . Unique collaboration between game development (FLOAT) and MedTech (MyoMod). Contribution to more inclusive and affordable prosthetic care worldwide FLOAT demonstrates how games can have an impact beyond entertainment: as a bridge between technology, research, and society.