Interactive media as a bridge between science and society
The development of the two games “Ghost Girls” and “Strahlenjäger” illustrates how GPM students use interactive media to communicate complex scientific topics such as radiation protection in an understandable and entertaining way. Both games illustrate the combination of aesthetic design and technical know-how to make knowledge accessible and address social challenges.
These projects are exemplary of the practical and interdisciplinary training offered on the GPM degree course. With their work at the interface of technology, design, education and science, the graduates show that interactive media can not only entertain, but also contribute to the transfer of knowledge.
The games also illustrate the importance of innovative approaches in communicating scientific topics. They offer a playful approach that appeals to a broad public and conveys complex content in an understandable way. Guido Kühn, Professor of 2D Game Art and Animation, emphasizes: “A central concern of our Game Production and Management course is to tap into the potential of games for dealing with socially relevant topics. We pursue this aim in all areas of the course and it culminates in the 360° projects of the G-School, a transdisciplinary project container in the seventh semester.” In this project, the two student teams also developed the games “Ghost Girls” and “Strahlenjäger”.
Contents of the games
Ghost Girls is a story-based visual novel, an interactive game inspired by a true story about corporate crime. Players take on the role of Dinah, a young woman who wants to find out the truth behind the mysterious illness of her sister, a clock face painter. Across six levels, players meet a variety of characters, explore hand-drawn environments and navigate branching storylines and tricky puzzles. The game manages to both entertain and convey historical crimes and the dangers of radiation in a vivid way.
Radiation Hunter is a 3D adventure puzzle game set in the fictional town of Radville. The player takes on the role of Alex Geigerstein, who must prevent a radiation catastrophe in the city with his robot companion GammaGear. The mission leads through a series of puzzles and missions in which the population must be protected from the impending radiation hazard. The game provides practical knowledge about radiation protection measures and shows how to react correctly in emergency situations.
Contact:
Prof. Michael Hebel (opens in a new window)
