The media likes to paint gamers as an antisocial bunch, but once in awhile a story comes along that shatters this stereotype. First Child's Play, founded in 2003, raised more than a million dollars in games and toys for sick kids who need a little comfort and distraction. Now comes word that videogames really may have healing powers, or at least the ability to help a child visualize a chronic illness and face painful treatments head on. Ben's Game was created by Ben Duskin, an 11-year-old leukemia patient who told the Make-A-Wish Foundation he wanted to play a game that would let him hack and slash cancer cells "with like swords and all that stuff." The game became a reality, thanks largely to Ben's vision and the donated development talents of LucasArts software engineer Eric Johnston, probably best known for his work on Star Wars: Rebel Assault. Available for PC and Mac, Ben's Game is a free download at makeawish.org...
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