Notes

This is a Brand new Project

On Kickstarter the astrophysicist and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson has a crowdfunding campaign running with the goal of funding a specific kind of computer game. "Space Odyssey" is the title, and the production team behind it aims to create a game that is fun to play while simultaneously instructive about physics biology and space.



The players will discover what goes into the design of robots and vehicles as they create their own unique machinery. They'll explore different worlds in an open-world "sandbox" setting. Some may even have life. One of the sessions could see the player piloting a vessel through the asteroid belt, or designing a robot capable of mining comets for precious resources. The team plans to incorporate virtual reality experiences in addition placing players at the heart 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 like Neil Gaiman and Larry Niven, Peter Beagle, George R. R. Servertracker.Org Martin to assist in the creation of a creative world. The effort is supported by a host of scientists, artists gamers, game designers, and other notable figures in the creative and scientific fields.



Although this is a new project it is not the first educational computer game. From classics such as "Oregon Trail" to modified builds of the well-known game "Minecraft," game designers and educators have long recognized the power of teaching through play. But Tyson's game - the full title is "Neil deGrasse Tyson Presents: Space Odyssey - The Video Game" - looks like it's a particularly innovative creation.



The Kickstarter campaign, which has a goal of raising $314,159 (a seemingly insignificant amount until you consider the pi numbers) is set to end on July 29th, Saturday. The creators acknowledge that the money will only be a small part of the efforts of Whatnot Entertainment to help make "Space Odyssey" feasible. But if all goes well you could soon be capable of launching off to explore new worlds without leaving the comfort of your home.



This is what's really interesting: Neil deGrasse Tyson spoke with Stuff You Should Know on the HowStuffWorks podcast. He said that he would like to increase global education in order to increase the odds that humanity will create "another Einstein."


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