NASA has just released its new Moonbase Alpha game on Valve’s Steam network, and will use the Steamworks suite of services for server browsing, leader boards, statistics and more.
Moonbase Alpha is a NASA-funded multi-player game with approximately 20 minutes of game play set on a hypothetical lunar outpost in a 3-D world. Watch the demo movie after the jump.
As one of the astronauts, your mission is to restore critical systems after a meteor strike cripples the life support equipment of the base. Using team coordination together with your limited available resources, you control robots, rovers, and repair tools to help complete your mission. The game emphasizes the importance of teamwork and strategic planning, as players must work together to efficiently allocate resources and manage time to ensure the survival of the lunar outpost.
The Educational Value of Moonbase Alpha
Moonbase Alpha is not just a game; it serves an educational purpose by providing players with a realistic simulation of lunar exploration and base management. The game introduces players to the challenges faced by astronauts and engineers in maintaining a habitable environment on the Moon. By engaging in tasks such as repairing solar panels, fixing oxygen generators, and managing power distribution, players gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in space missions.
Moreover, Moonbase Alpha encourages interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. By immersing players in a scientifically accurate lunar environment, the game sparks curiosity about space exploration and the technologies required to sustain human life beyond Earth. This aligns with NASA’s broader mission to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts.
Development and Collaboration
Moonbase Alpha is the first of two commercial-quality NASA games developed in partnership with commercial game developers Virtual Heroes and ARMY Game Studio. This collaboration brings together NASA’s expertise in space science and the game developers’ proficiency in creating engaging and interactive experiences. The result is a game that is both entertaining and educational, offering players a unique opportunity to experience the challenges of lunar exploration firsthand.
The use of the Steamworks suite of services enhances the game’s multiplayer experience by providing features such as server browsing, leaderboards, and statistics tracking. These features allow players to compete and collaborate with others around the world, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. Additionally, the game’s integration with Steam ensures that it is easily accessible to a wide audience, further promoting interest in space exploration and STEM education.
Moonbase Alpha also serves as a platform for NASA to gather feedback and insights from players, which can be used to improve future educational games and simulations. By engaging with the gaming community, NASA can better understand how to create compelling and effective educational tools that resonate with a diverse audience.
Via Slashgear Via
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