This Is A New Project
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson (center) has enlisted a number of big names from the sciences and literature including (L to R) authors Neil Gaiman and George R. R. Martin, science educator Bill Nye and astronomer Amy Mainzer to help develop the game. FilmMagic/Fox/UlfAndersen/Steve J. Brown/Getty Images
Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist/science communicator, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a unique type of computer game. "Space Odyssey" is the title and the team behind it aims to create a game which is enjoyable to play and simultaneously instructive about physics, biology and space.
Players will discover the process into the design of robots and vehicles as they design their own unique machines. In an open-world "sandbox" design players will explore other worlds, and some may even have life on them. A player could spend a session piloting the ship through an asteroid belt or designing the next generation robot capable of mining a comet for precious resources. The team is planning to integrate virtual reality experiences in addition, putting players in the middle of the action. Joining Neil deGrasse Tyson are such prominent figures in science and communication as rocket scientist Loretta Falcone Cosmologist Janna Levin and astrophysicist Charles Liu, planetary scientist Carolyn Porco, astronomer Amy Mainzer, former astronaut Mike Massimino and science communicator Bill Nye. He has also invited authors such as Neil Gaiman, Larry Niven, Peter Beagle and George R. Email R. Martin to collaborate on the world-building aspect. The project is backed by a variety of scientists, artists gamers, and other notable people in the creative and scientific fields.
Although this is a new project, it's not the first computer game that is educational in nature. From the old classics like "Oregon Trail" to modified builds of the well-known game "Minecraft," game designers and educators have long recognized the value of teaching through games. Tyson's game, which's full title is "Neil deGrasse Tyson Presents Space Odyssey The Video Game" The Video Game", looks ambitious.
The Kickstarter campaign, with its goal of raising $314,159 (a seemingly insignificant amount until you think of the digits of pi), ends on Saturday, July 29. The administrators acknowledge that funding will only be part of the efforts of Whatnot Entertainment to make "Space Odyssey" possible. If everything goes according to plan you could soon be capable of launching off to explore new worlds without leaving the comfort of your sofa.
This is What's Really Interesting: Neil deGrasse Tyson spoke on the topic "Stuff You Should Know" on the HowStuffWorks podcast. He said that he would like to expand global education to increase the chances that human culture will produce "another Einstein."
