Insurance company Allstate is exploring a new program that would reward the players of specialized video games with lower auto insurance rates, CNN reports.

The company will soon begin testing the effectiveness of the games in accident prevention through a study of 100,000 Pennsylvania drivers between the ages of 50 and 75. The likelihood of an auto accident is said to climb when drivers reach their mid-60s.

Developed by Posit Science, the computer games are "designed to reverse age-related cognitive decline and improve visual alertness," according to the report. In-game activities go beyond driving activities, with one, Jewel Diver, requiring players to follow the movement of a jewel and deduce where it is hidden after fish fill the screen.

With the help of Posit, Allstate will track the total amount of hours played and then compare the accident rates of gamers to non-gamers. Allstate suggests drivers play for at least 10 hours, and will decide next year if the program goes nationwide.

Thanks to spigot for the tip.

Publisher Aspyr has announced a multi-year agreement to bring the offerings of test preparation firm Kaplan into the interactive realm, beginning with an SAT preparation game for PC, Nintendo DS and Mac.

Due out later this year, the untitled effort is claimed to be an "engaging, visually dynamic and unconventional title." It is apparently "rooted solidly" in Kaplan's line of preparation materials for the standardized SAT test recommended by most US high schools and colleges.

"Students learn best when they're engaged with the study content," said Kaplan general manager of pre-college programs Anthony Manley. "While a video game shouldn't be seen as a substitute for a full prep course, it's an innovative and effective way to reinforce preparatory learning."

In development at Aspyr Studios, the game marks the first original title to be created and published by Aspyr. Other titles by the studio include the PC and Mac editions of Neversoft's Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, the upcoming PC port of Propaganda Games' Turok, and the forthcoming Xbox 360 edition of Gas Powered Games' Supreme Commander.