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Living Soils Nutrient Cycle Game

At a touchscreen monitor, visitors learn how nutrients cycle through an ecosystem by playing against known and unforeseen nutrient flows in different scenarios. A large overhead screen encourages onlookers, who are exposed to the educational messaging even though they are not actively engaged in the game. The game includes photographs and videos to enhance the game experience and tie the concepts to the real world.

The game challenges players to manage the flow of nutrients in three different scenarios: a dairy farm, a soybean field and their own backyard, over the course of a single growing season Spring to Fall. Players encounter sudden outflows of nutrients, such as by harvesting of the field or mowing the lawn, and are challenged to choose the best options in order to outwit the persistent flow that removes nutrients from a given ecosystem and keep the Nutrient Cycle in balance.

macMonkey Digital Studios worked with the client to develop the game play and interface, including designing all the graphic elements. We then developed the game via the Unity game engine, and assembled the touchscreen system for final delivery and install. Game play included a brief game tutorial on level one and setting up an integrated analytics system to determine the number of players per hour and length of game play per player. The final system was installed using a Windows gaming PC, Windows 10 OS, and a dual graphics card to integrate with the Samsung Touchscreen display as well as drive a separate overhead monitor for audience viewing.

As with most of our installations, this exhibit was also remotely accessible to troubleshoot any issues and provide content updates as necessary.

Project Requirements

Create a large interactive touchscreen game to entertain and educate how different nutrients affect soil. Needed to be playable in under five minutes and also mirror the game play display to an overhead monitor for crowds to watch.

Technology Used

Windows PC and Windows 10, 42” Samsung Touchscreen display, Unity game development and user metrics.

Time Line

Developed in four months.

Awards


First Place in International Association of Fairs & Expositions 2017 Agricultural Awards Program – New Exhibits division. It also took the Judge’s Choice Award—the highest honor bestowed in this competition.

Demo of Video Play

  • LOCATION: Raising Nebraska at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds
  • CLIENT: University of Nebraska
  • DEVELOPMENT PARTNER: David & Associates
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