Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson (center) has enlisted a number of big names from the fields of science and literature such as (L to R) authors Neil Gaiman and George R. R. Martin, science educator Bill Nye and astronomer Amy Mainzer to help design an exciting new video game. FilmMagic/Fox/Ulf Andersen/Steve Jennings/Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Over on Kickstarter, astrophysicist and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson has a crowdfunding campaign in place with the aim of funding a specific kind of computer game. "Space Odyssey" is the title and the team behind it is aiming to create a game that is enjoyable to play and simultaneously educational about physics, biology and space.
As they build their own machines, players discover the design of vehicles and robots. In email -world "sandbox" design, they'll explore alien worlds, and some might even have life on them. One instance could include a player piloting a spacecraft through an asteroidal belt or design a robot capable of mining comets for precious resources. The team is planning to incorporate virtual reality experiences as well placing 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 aid in the creation of a creative world. A variety of other writers, artists, scientists, game designers and other notable figures in the creative and scientific fields are also contributing to the effort.
Although this is a new project, it's certainly not the first computer game for education. From the classics of the past like "Oregon Trail" to modified builds of the well-known game "Minecraft," game designers and educators have long recognized the benefits of of teaching through play. However, Tyson's game – the full title is "Neil deGrasse Tyson Presents: Space Odyssey - The Video Game" - looks like it's a particularly ambitious creation.
Kickstarter's goal to raise $314,159 (a not a lot when you think about the numbers pi) will end on July 29th, which is a Saturday. The project's administrators admit that the money raised will be a tiny fraction of the money that the developers from Whatnot Entertainment will need to create "Space Odyssey" real. But if all goes well it could be soon able to blast off and explore new worlds from the comfort of your sofa.
This is the most interesting thing about it: Neil deGrasse Tyson spoke on the topic "Stuff You Should Know" on the HowStuffWorks podcast. He stated that the goal is to increase global education in order to increase the chance that humankind will produce "another Einstein."