This Free Mod, MODDEN 26, Puts Brain Injuries Front and Center in Gaming

Concussion awareness nonprofit The Derek Sheely Foundation today put sports-related brain injury issues in the spotlight with MODDEN 26, a free video game modification (mod).

The new mod puts concussions back in the world's most popular football video game series after they were removed over 10 years ago.

MODDEN 26 shows players some of the common symptoms of concussions, which include:

• Blurry vision
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Light sensitivity
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Derek was a 22-year-old college football player at Frostburg State University who died after suffering repeated head trauma during a practice in 2011. His death triggered an investigation, a lawsuit, and a landmark $1.2 million settlement against the NCAA. The money funds research on risks to these young athletes and will work towards helping institutions reduce head injuries.

"Preseason practices at Frostburg served more as a gladiatorial thrill for the coaches than learning sessions for the players," his parents said in a filing.

“We want to help prevent other children and families from enduring the devastating effects of concussions,” she added. Her recent memoir Very Dark Places recounts how Derek died after an alleged ‘freak accident’ on the football field—only to receive an anonymous email revealing a far more disturbing truth: his death was preventable.

Madden NFL removed the concussions to distance the brand from the long-time health risk of head injuries. In older versions of the football game franchise, the injured athlete would be hauled off comically in an ambulance, taking out players while it exited the field. Now, players can take concussions more seriously.

According to the CDC, youth tackle football players each sustain about 378 head impacts per season. The  American Medical Society for Sports Medicine have reported an estimated 3.8 million concussions occur annually in the U.S. through sports and recreational activities, with up to 50 percent going unreported.

Health marketing agency Klick Health worked with the foundation on the initiative, honoring Derek’s memory and his love of the game. The mod features his jersey number (40) displayed on a stadium banner and a dedication at the end of gameplay.

“Games don’t persuade. Games reveal. When you feel your reaction time slow, your vision blur, and your performance fall apart, that’s your brain learning at a physiological level,” said Devon Taylor, Senior Vice President, Group Director, Strategy, Klick Health. “MODDEN 26 uses the language of play to help convey something passive education and warning labels often fail to: how it can feel to experience concussions.”

Gamers in the modding community can access free downloads of MODDEN 26 (for PC) and more information on the initiative at modden26.com. Gameplay footage and highlight reels are also featured on the website

Note: This game simulates commonly reported concussion symptoms for educational purposes only. Symptoms can present differently in each person. This content is not intended to diagnose a condition or replace professional medical evaluation or care.