On Kickstarter the astrophysicist and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson has an ongoing crowdfunding campaign with the aim of funding a specific kind of computer game. The name is "Space Odyssey", and the team behind it is hoping to create an experience that is educational and fun about physics biology, and space.
When they build their own machines, players learn about the design of vehicle and robots. In an open-world "sandbox" design players will explore other worlds, some that may even have life. A player could take a ride on a ship through an asteroid belt, or creating the next generation robot capable of mining comets to extract precious resources. The team plans to incorporate virtual reality experiences as well and put players at the center of the action. Neil deGrasse Tyson is joined by Loretta Falcone (rocket scientist), Janna Levin (cosmologist), Charles Liu (astrophysicist), Carolyn Porco (planetary scientist), Amy Mainzer (astronomer), Mike Massimino (science communicator), and Bill Nye (science communicator). He invited authors such as Neil Gaiman and Larry Niven, Peter Beagle, George R. R. Martin, to help with the creation of the world through creativity. The project is backed by a variety of artists, scientists, game designers, and other prominent figures in the creative and scientific fields.
While this is a new project, it's certainly not the first time that we've seen an educational computer game. From classics such as "Oregon Trail" to the modified versions of the well-known game "Minecraft," game designers and educators have long recognized the benefits of of teaching through play. Tyson's game, whose official name is "Neil deGrasse Tyson Presents Space Odyssey The Video Game" The Video Game", is a bold and exciting game.
The Kickstarter campaign, which has a goal of raising $314,159 (a seemingly insignificant amount until you consider the pi digits) is set to end on July 29th, Saturday. Steve's blog The project's administrators acknowledge that the funds will only be a small part of the Whatnot Entertainment's efforts to help make "Space Odyssey" possible. If all goes as planned you could soon be in a position to explore new worlds without leaving the comfort of your home.
This is interesting In a conversation with the HowStuffWorks podcast Stuff You Need to Know, Neil deGrasse Tyson said he wants to expand worldwide education to increase the chances of human civilization producing "another Einstein.