Nonprofit research group Target Malaria has released an educational game, Target Malaria: The Game. The game (which is also referred to as an “interactive tool”) is free to download on Itch.io for PC.
In Target Malaria: The Game, players become lab technicians and research scientists working on genetically modifying mosquitoes. Why are we modifying mosquitoes? Target Malaria is using genetic modification to reduce malaria transmission, and one day eliminate it altogether.
You know, the usual science stuff.
Players can currently enjoy two game modes. Microinjection simulates injecting DNA into mosquito embryos. Transgenic Screening tasks players with sorting genetically modified embryos.
Science!
The lab setting is inspired by Target Malaria’s lab at Imperial College London. Senior Lab Technician, Louise Marston, was scientific advisor, and came up with the concept for the game.
The game was developed with indie game developer Michael Marston, and designed for all ages. “We hope video game enthusiasts, tech lovers, and science students will use this unique tool to learn more about malaria and the devastating impact it has on African communities and economies”, said Marston.
Target Malaria is currently in active development (early access), with more game modes presumably coming later.
