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Hi, I'm building a platform to simulate living systems, basically combining a bunch of equations together that describe living processes with some biological data and building a cell by cell model of an organism. I've been considering creating a gamified front end to the simulation that allows individuals to play around with the simulated lifeform interactively with 3D graphics via a web browser. Think Google Body browser (bodybrowser.googlelabs.com), but the body moves in 3D, and its not a human, its a micro-organism. Right now, the graphics part and the interaction part are clear how to build, but we want to make the site sticky, so that people have a reason to come back and play with it over and over again. We have considered making the cells collectables -- there are only 1000 of them in this organism and they all have names. We've been considering that these could be like badges and users could have them on their profiles. We're less clear on what kind of game mechanics we could build around these collectibles / badges. We are hoping that epic meaning and urgent optimism can play in here via a role play because we are working with the fundamental building blocks of life -- but haven't got a good grip on this yet. Curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks, Stephen |
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Hey Stephen, I love the idea to transfer complex tasks in easy to understand steps by gameplay :-) So, it looks like you're looking for a second fold.it, right? From my point of view an epic meaning is the best starting point to create engagement. Facing a monumental challenge like this one (to create something out of the fundamental building blocks of life) and so to save lifes and to improve it can be a fascinating journey for everyone. Some kind of an 'Introducing stroy' at the beginning (or going public some days before starting your platform) will support this 'epic meaning feeling'. A story not too long (a marvel) that shows us the current situation and so the urgent to act and to solve the riddle to save the future of our lifes. Perhaps ending with the call of help for the user? Like a mission statement? Adding badges, Points and levels is just one part of the story. These are extrinsic motivators that are great but they are still extrinsic. Use these extrinsic rewards to support the intrinsic motivation by creating an environent of Mastering and Meaning. Using the cells as collectables sounds good. If it works will depend on the different level of difficulty. I think that one of the biggest challenges will be the part of 'socializing' this game. How can the players interact and creating something together they won't be able to achieve alone - and at the same time how can you let them play by themselves without being dependent by others (mastering). So, playing alone, together ;-) Foursquare and Zynga-Games are great examples for this kind of structure. Would love to go deeper into this but I'm not familiar with this kind of science (cells, living systems,...) But it would be great to figure something out for you. So, perhaps you can explain some processes more detailed for me? Bye, Roman |
