'Brain pills' marketed to gamers embody the worst things about video game culture
A new "brain boosting" supplement called GodMode hit the internet on Tuesday and it's specifically advertising itself at gamers who want to be better at playing video games.
GodMode is the flagship product by Boss Level Labs, a company that's weirdly spearheaded by Scott Miller, who co-founded the game studios Apogee and 3D Realms, known for such games as Duke Nukem, Prey, Wolfenstein 3D, and Max Payne.
The name "GodMode" is a play on a once-popular cheat and implies that taking it would be the equivalent of becoming invincible.
Shota Yamamoto, Boss Level Labs chief science officer, describes GodMode in a press release in a way that only a gamer would understand: "GodMode actually levels-up your mind because the formulation is like a brain-hack."
What a world we live in.
GodMode promises many things to gamers willing to try non FDA-approved pills, including faster reaction speeds, faster access to your memories, improved focus, an increase of your neurotransmitters, and "Yoda-like calmness under pressure."
How exactly does it do these things? Ingredients.
The pills contain things like beet powder, caffeine, artichoke extract, and a handful of ingredients most people have never heard of before. The website describes each ingredient and lists the supposed benefits they give you, sometimes using confusing terms that have the added bonus of making them sound really good for your brain.
There's yamabushitake, which according to the site is a cognitive enhancer, reduces depression and anxiety, and contains two potent nerve growth factors. Boss Level Labs claims you're going to LOVE this ingredient specifically.
There's also forskolin, which "elevates cAMP, boosts neural signaling, increases acetylcholine levels." Ah, elevated cAMP and increased acetylcholine levels are just what I need when I sit down to log some hours into Overwatch.
If you're still unsure about whether you should take GodMode gamer pills, definitely talk to your doctor. If that conversation goes well and you still aren't sold, Boss Level Labs provides a list of "pro users" of its product, which includes a handful of game developers, people who lift weights, someone who is a "celebrity financial advisor and motivational speaker," and a retired Hungarian chess grandmaster named Judit Polgár.
Outside of the benefits you'll undoubtedly feel while gaming, I guess, the website says GodMode "should help you remember where you put your keys."
If all of this sounds great to you, get ready to level up your brain to game like a god with GodMode. Unless, you know, you're under 18, pregnant, potentially have any pre-existing medical conditions, are taking any prescription medications, are otherwise ingesting caffeine or taking other stimulants, or you don't want to drop $60 on gamer pills. Then, you know, don't.
Godspeed, GodMode.
Topics Gaming
