science

The Radix Endeavor was recently cited in a recent The Scientist article, Games for Science as an example of how scientists are using video games to tap the collective intelligence of people around the world, while doctors and educators are turning to games to treat and teach.  Examining games form three unique environments, the article explore how:

• Games designed to tackle tough scientific problems are leading to breakthroughs.
• Gameplay can engage unfocused students and teach complex scientific concepts.
• Medical researchers are using games to help patients overcome physical challenges.

Vanished, our science mystery Curated Game, concluded on May 22. Over the seven weeks of game play, more than six thousand middle school students across the country worked together online to solve a large and complex mystery. They played games online, collected data in their communities, visited Smithsonian-affiliate museums, videoconferenced with scientists, and engaged in intelligent collaboration and debate online to bring the pieces of the puzzle together.
On behalf of the Vanished team, thank you to everyone involved for making this such a success.
Over the summer, we're going to be documenting the making of Vanished and posting some of the highlights here. Topics will range from game design and pedagogy to some of the technical details of making the Flash games. Our hope is that Vanished will not be the only game of this type and that others will be inspired to build upon this work and create similar educational experiences for kids.

 Today's USA Today features an article about our forthcoming Curated Game, Vanished.  We've been working on this concept for years, so it's exciting that the time to play is at hand.  Please get all the middle schoolers in your life to sign up!  It's going to be a fun, educational time.  The gameplay itself is shrouded in mystery, but we're just witholding information for fun purposes!