Mission Biotech: The Game
Welcome to Mission Biotech!
Mission
Biotech is an immersive, computer-based game that offers players opportunities to
solve challenging problems through the application of biotechnology. Mission Biotech
has been designed as a part of the OUTBREAK project funded by the National Science
Foundation. The project intends to engage players in an interesting, conceptually-rich,
and fun virtual environment that supports science learning and exposure to careers
in biotechnology.
The Game
Mission Biotech (MBt) is a first person adventure game that uses 3-D graphics and
contemporary gaming principles to create a virtual world in which players solve
challenging problems through the application of biotechnology.
Work for the NLBB
Mission Biotech takes place within the virtual space of The National Laboratory
for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (NLBB). Players assume a position as a biotechnologist
in the NLBB. Their first mission involves diagnosis of a deadly virus spreading
throughout the city with potential to develop into a pandemic.
As players progress through the game, they will have opportunities to explore resources
that will help them successfully complete missions, gain access to and play "mini-games"
designed to support fundamental understandings of underlying science content, and
use simulated biotechnology techniques.
Work as a Scientist!
In the first mission, players will extract nucleic acids from patient samples, conduct
real-time PCR (polymerase chain reactions), run reverse transcriptions, and analyze
results. Along the way, players will unlock hidden resources, interact with characters
within the virtual space, collect tools and equipment, and earn game rewards in
the form of points and badges. When players complete their mission, they will have
saved the city from the outbreak of a killer virus.