Psyon Games launches digital initiative in bid to combat Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Finnish game studio, Psyon Games, has announced a new initiative designed to raise awareness about the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
HPV affects over 80% of sexually active individuals, and while most cases are harmless, the virus can lead to cervical cancer, which is largely preventable with a vaccination. Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide, with 90% of fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
Through an ongoing feasibility study funded by the Gates Foundation, Psyon Games aims to demonstrate that a digital initiative can be a powerful method for HPV awareness and cervical cancer prevention. This taps game-based strategies and interactive characters to enhance the reach and impact of HPV vaccination campaigns with a primary focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence of cervical HPV among women globally. The game is scheduled to be available in multiple languages.
Psyon Games has previously partnered with organisations such as WHO, Gavi, and Unicef Finland on their title Antidote Covid-19, which became the only Covid-19 themed game approved by WHO, Apple, and Google during the pandemic.
Following the completion of the feasibility study in mid-2025, Psyon Games will seek additional funding for the development and deployment of the full scale HPV awareness game. The project will be developed in collaboration with key stakeholders including subject matter experts and experts. Planned participants include public health organisations, NGOs, governments, educators, community leaders, parents, healthcare providers, and the intended vaccination cohorts.
Olli Rundgren, Founder and CEO at Psyon Games, comments: "Games have a unique ability to transform complex health challenges into engaging experiences. This collaboration combines global health expertise with innovative game design to tackle HPV vaccination barriers. By merging behavioral science with interactive design, we plan to create a tool that amplifies HPV vaccination awareness in ways traditional campaigns cannot. Our mission is to create the most impactful vaccine awareness tool ever, increasing campaign effectiveness by 10–30 times compared to traditional methods."
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Gamification will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, organised by our sister title Retail Technology Innovation Hub.
The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
The 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”
He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”
“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”
Congratulations to the 2024 winners, and a big thank you to the sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.
