Captain Novolin

There has been a lot of research into the use of video games for Diabetes management. The condition boasts one of the earliest digital games developed for health education: Captain Novolin, which was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1992. In her 2012 article ‘Video games for diabetes self-management: Examples and design strategies' Debra Lieberman said the game: challenges players to fight evil doughnuts, milk shakes, sodas, and other sweets while making sure that Captain Novolin keeps his blood glucose in the normal range by eating healthy foods and using insulin. This decision-making game rehearses diabetes self-management skills and good food choices and is the first console video game for diabetes self-management.”

Unfortunately the game was not well received and it has frequently been listed as one of the worst games for the SNES. Though it will always have an important place as one of the first console games with a health focus.