|
|
PlayGen's NanoMission
BusinessWeek - 12 Jul 2007
Enter London-based computer games studio PlayGen and global nanotechnology consultancy Cientifica, which have teamed up to produce NanoMission, ...
|
|
 |
NanoMission™: Nano Gaming
Medgadget.com, CA - Jan 17, 2007
PlayGen are relying on partnerships with organisations such as the Royal Society of Chemistry to ensure the game meets the educational community ...
|
Guardian Unlimited: Gamesblog
Guardian Unlimited, UK - Jan 9, 2007
Serious games developer PlayGen has just released a beta of its educational title, NanoMission, described enticingly as, "the world's first scientifically ...
|
|
|
|
NanoMission – Cutting edge science education using games. Playable demo announced.
London – 10th January 2007 - London-based computer games development studio PlayGen and global nanotechnology consultancy Cientifica have announced the availability of the playable demo of NanoMission™ from www.nanomission.org
Whilst most teenage gamers are familiar with nanotechnology as a fantastic futuristic technology involving miniature robots, very few have a realistic understanding of nanotechnology, realise its impact on the world around them, or are genuinely stimulated about its possibilities. Coupled with declining numbers of physics, chemistry and engineering students, this is a major cause for concern.
NanoMission™ is a cutting edge engaging learning experience which educates players about basic concepts in nanoscience through real world practical applications from microelectronics to drug delivery. The demo of the first module, nanomedicine, compels the player to select a suitable vehicle to deliver an anti cancer compound, and then navigate through the bloodstream to the site of the tumour, while avoiding the body’s natural defence mechanisms.
“Nanomedicine is an area that has caused a great deal of excitement but has also been tragically misrepresented”, commented Cientifica CEO Tim Harper. Professor Mark Welland FRS of the University of Cambridge added, “It is extremely important that as nanotechnology is introduced into an increasing range of products the real benefits are understood by all. This game is a great example of how the positive message of nanotechnology can be disseminated to schools.”
PlayGen are relying on partnerships with organisations such as the Royal Society of Chemistry, to ensure the game meets the educational community’s requirements. The National Physical Laboratory, are the latest members of the game’s scientific advisory board, bringing world class expertise in the challenges of measurement at the nanoscale and use of virtual worlds for science communication and knowledge transfer.
“Working with the scientific community has enabled us to develop NanoMission based on real science rather than science fiction”, notes Kam Memarzia, PlayGen’s managing director adding “We firmly believe computer games have a far greater role to play in today’s society, especially in promoting learning & understanding the real world around us.”
Using their innovative and entertaining method of game-based learning, PlayGen are making nanotechnology relevant, interesting and engaging, with game quality akin to current PlayStation 2 and Xbox titles, meeting young people’s expectations of console quality gaming.
Through sponsorship, PlayGen is making the PC version of the game freely available to schools and colleges, including a ‘teachers’ version containing lesson plans and online support, with the emphasis focused on UK and US science curriculum.
For more information about NanoMission, to download the demo, discuss getting involved as a sponsor or joining the educational advisory board see www.nanomission.org.
|
NanoWars has been renamed to NanoMission.
Following discussions with some of our content partners, the decision has been made to drop the name 'NanoWars' as it does not convey the right message.
The initial decision to call the game NanoWars was based on the success of most gaming titles with the word 'War' in the title, such as World of Warcraft, Total War etc however it proved too much for some of our partners and so we dropped it in favour of much more apt name of NanoMission.
|
NanoWars. Learning science through video gaming.
London-based computer game development studio PlayGen has partnered with global nanotechnology consultancy Cientifica to develop an interactive 3d learning game based on nano-sciences and nanotechnology.
Aimed at 12-18 year olds, NanoWars™ is an engaging learning experience which educates players about basic concepts in nanoscience through real world practical applications from microelectronics to drug delivery. It will be available from its June 2007 launch through download for the PC.
To ensure that the game is scientifically accurate the company has recruited a scientific advisory board incusing Professor Mark Welland, head of the Nanoscience Centre at the University of Cambridge and Soft Machines author Professor Richard Jones of the University of Sheffield.
Players are challenged in imaginative environments that promote learning about the operation of nanoelectronics, building and functionalizing molcules, nanoscale imaging, bottom up self assembly, and nanomedicine. The game's plot is to save the world from destruction by Dr.Nevil and his army of nano-machines and nano-materials, whilst the player stealthily learns about real world nanotechnology. The game hero (player) supported by Dr. Goodlove and his assistants use nano-imaging, create nano-machines, develop nano-materials, and utilise an extraordinary shrinking machine to shrink the player to the nanoscale to stop Dr. Nevil and save the world.
"We are developing science-based action-adventure games because we believe that today's gaming technology has a far greater role to play in society, especially in promoting learning and understanding the world around us.” said Kam Memarzia, PlayGen’s managing director.
Cientifica CEO Tim Harper commented, “Our increased reliance on technology coupled with declining numbers of physics, chemistry and engineering students is a cause for major concern. Through our partnership with PlayGen we hope to demonstrate that nanotechnology can be both challenging and fun.”
For more information about NanoWars or to discuss getting involved as a corporate sponsor see:
http://www.playgen.com/home/content/view/30
About PlayGen : Founded in 2001 by gaming industry experts, PlayGen is a London based game development studio with a strong track record in developing serious games and simulations for training and learning purposes. See http://www.playgen.com
About Cientifica: Cientifica is the world's leading independent supplier of nanotechnology research and technology information, with activities spanning from basic research to consultancy, business intelligence and investments. See http://www.cientifica.com |
Nano Science Based Game Announced.
PlayGen are proud to announce their intention to start developing an engaging interactive 3d learning game based on real nano-sciences and nanotechnology.
The players are challenged in imaginative environments that promotes learning about: Molecular building, Nano-Imaging, Creation of Nano-devices, Nano-medicine, Quantum Behaviour, Manipulating Electrons and Nano-Materials.
Primarily focused on 12-18 age range - the game is also a valuable and fun way to learn about nanotechnology irrespective of age. Available online for the PC and through retail for PlayStation Portable and the Xbox.
PlayGen intends to bring on board scientists and educator to make sure the content is accurate and useful to teachers and students.
PlayGen will raise the development funds through sponsorship, sponsors will get in-game advertising, in the most cutting edge simulation of the nano world to ever hit gamers consoles.
Founded in 2001 by gaming industry experts, PlayGen is a London based game development studio with a strong and growing track record in developing serious games for training and learning purposes. See http://www.playgen.com |
|
|
