The video game “Exoplanet Exploration” is a new tool for school students and educators to provide an interactive and engaging experience of learning about exoplanets.

We hope to integrate our project into classroom and remote learning environments thanks to the gamified approach to learning astronomy.

During our development we focused on creating tangible and comprehensible ways for the audience to access the game through a web browser. In our project we used Figma for visual roadmap representations, Fotor AI for asset creation and game simulation and ChatGPT for grammar checking and statistics collection purposes.

Full game description

The team decided to develop a prototype for a computer game for middle and high school students. During the Hackathon we came up with a game plan and storyline and created a prototype of the start of the game.

Following you can find the game description.

"Hi, crewmate!

Today, we embark on one of the most secretive space missions, known only to a few people in the world. We’re preparing for a journey that will push the boundaries of human knowledge—into exoplanets! These are planets beyond our solar system, worlds humanity has never visited before. This mission is a rare and unique opportunity, reserved for only the chosen few.

And here we are, with the best team imaginable. Every member is a genius in their field, ready to face any challenge. Together, we boldly step into the unknown, to explore the mysteries of the universe that others can’t even imagine. Our mission isn’t just about discovering new worlds, but also about returning with knowledge that could change the future of humanity.

Of course, this journey won’t be easy. Space is not only beautiful, but also dangerous. Every mistake can be critical. But we are ready. Enough talk—it's time to act! Put on your helmet, buckle up—we're about to embark on an adventure. Together, we will explore distant planets, face challenges, and uncover the wonders waiting beyond the stars."

The game begins with the player selecting a character, each of whom has unique strengths and weaknesses that affect gameplay.

Once the character is chosen, the mission starts. The player decides which type of exoplanet to explore (Gas Giants; Super-Earth; Neptune-Like; Terrestrial) , with each planet offering a distinct environment, challenges, and resources. Some planets might be rich in minerals but have harsh conditions like toxic atmospheres or extreme temperatures, while others may harbour alien life or hidden mysteries. The frequency and types of items the player can find will depend on the planet’s characteristics.

As the player explores the planet, they are presented with a view of the surface, showing clickable items scattered around the environment. Each item represents a potential resource or discovery. When the player hovers over an item, a brief description appears, providing context or clues about its nature. Clicking on the item triggers a question related to space science or exoplanet exploration. These questions challenge the player to analyse the provided information, test their knowledge, and think critically about the situation.

If the player answers the question incorrectly, their oxygen level decreases, simulating the dangers of space exploration. Managing oxygen levels is a key aspect of the game, as players must make smart decisions to avoid running out of this critical resource. If the player answers the question correctly, they acquire the item, which could be useful for future challenges, upgrades, or even mission success.

Once the oxygen level reaches zero, the player fails the mission, and the game restarts from the beginning, encouraging players to learn from their mistakes and improve their strategy in the next playthrough.

Question examples used (could be used) in our project:

Using the given formula , find the radius of the exoplanet.
Find the distance between the planet and the star using the formula. Convert your answer to au units. ( 1 meter = 6.68458712 × 10^-12 Astronomical Units )
Estimate the density, ρ, and composition of the exoplanet, by using the given formula.

Benefits

Education and Learning: The game teaches important concepts in science, technology, engineering, and maths, such as physics, planetary science, astrobiology, and space exploration, making complex topics more approachable.Players gain knowledge and problem solving skills related to exoplanet exploration.
Resource management: it teaches efficient resource management in a challenging environment.
Engagement in Space Science: By making space exploration fun and interactive, the game encourages interest in astronomy, exoplanets, and NASA's real-world missions.
Creativity and Exploration: Players can explore unknown worlds, encouraging curiosity, imagination, and creativity as they discover new exoplanets and their unique characteristics.

2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge

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