Neil deGrasse Tyson is Kickstarting a Space Exploration Video Game Called SPACE ODYSSEY
American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson is about to embark on a new kind of adventure. He is looking to develop a space exploration video game called Space Odyssey and he's launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund it.
The game is described as an "awe-inspiring gaming experience of galactic exploration and colonization with Neil deGrasse Tyson." The game seems pretty ambitious and he is looking for $314,159 to fund it.
Here are some of the details regarding the game he's looking to develop:
With its foundation based in scientifically accurate game-play, you'll be immersed in biology, chemistry, geo-science, and engineering as you build and explore planetary systems.
With Neil deGrasse Tyson as your trusted advisor and cosmic guide, you'll set out on science-based missions to create, explore, and expand.
Develop planets, colonize worlds, nurture species, mine elements, build robots, and discover unique life-forms as you coordinate with others in an intense game of real-time strategy.
Sounds pretty awesome for anyone who is interested in science and space exploration. Sounds like something that won't only be fun playing, but we'll also be learning lots of cool and fascinating information along the way. The whole thing is built around real science.
One of the things that make this game so unique is that "gamers and fans get to shape the game throughout the development process by suggesting ideas, asking questions and participating with beta testing. As players interact with the first worlds we develop and offer feedback, Dr. Tyson and team will incorporate your suggestions, together building an awesome experience you helped create." Here are some additional details:
As you set off to explore, Dr. Tyson and his team guide you by providing the science and information to help you complete your strategic missions.
All-Star Advisers - The expertise of Dr. Tyson and his team coalesce and manifest into the gaming world you will experience. Join Dr. Tyson and the StarTalk All Stars: Amy Mainzer, Astronomer; Charles Liu, Astrophysicist; Janna Levin, Theoretical Cosmologist; and Mike Massino, Former NASA astronaut.
Accurate Gameplay - Immersed in biology, chemistry, geo-science, and engineering you will build and explore planetary systems, using principles such as magnetism and electricity to drive the game mechanics.
In-Game Futurism - Concepts of Nanotechnology, Optogenetics, Singularity, Magnetic Transportation, Dark Matter, Compressed Time, Hydrogen Power, Solar Sails, Ramjet Fusion and more will be present throughout game-play.
Below you'll find a video of him explaining his vision of the game. Below that I included some concept art to show you the style that they are going for. This is totally a game I'd be up to playing! Especially with my kids. I've always loved this kind of stuff!
