Science-based games
The list is essentially about educational based games that nailed entertainment (with a focus on scientific phenomenon). - mettamage on HN
Here is a collaborative notepad with educational/science games, i.e. games that are:
- capturing parts of real scientific phenomena (including social science, medicine, etc),
- actually playable (you can play them for fun, not ones "for classroom only").
So in general, ones that may make you say I played X for its own sake, yet I've learnt how Y works! for Y being advanced enough.
This is a collaborative list dedicated to the public domain (CC0), where everyone is welcomed to contribute! See: how to contribute. It was started, and is being maintained, by Piotr Migdał (the author of Quantum Game with Photons).
A mini table of contents: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Health, Mathematics, Sociology and economy, Humanities
Games
Physics
Velocity Raptor
- www.testtubegames.com/velocityraptor.html
- special relativity theory
- contraction, time dilation, Doppler shift
- 2D arcade / puzzle
- on web (Flash) (free of charge)
Agent Higgs
- www.testtubegames.com/higgsflash.html
- elementary particles
- charges, antiparticles, neutrino oscillations, decay
- puzzle (Atomix-like)
- iOS game (2 chapter free of charge, on web (Flash))
A slower speed of light
- gamelab.mit.edu/games/a-slower-speed-of-light
- special relativity theory
- Doppler shift, geometric distortions
- 3D first person perspective walking
- free of charge
- MIT license: github.com/MITGameLab/OpenRelativity
Chromatron
- silverspaceship.com/chromatron
- geometric optics
- puzzle
- warning: a few elements are unreal (most are real, though)
- MacOS, Windows (free of charge)
Kerbal Space Program
- kerbalspaceprogram.com
- Newtonian physics, space program
- strategy
- GNU/Linux (
$), MacOS ($ ), Windows ($)
Orbiter 2016
- orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/index
- Newtonian physics, orbital mechanics, flight mechanics
- Space Flight Simulator
- Windows (free)
Delta V
- deltav.corpsmoderne.net
- Newtonian physics, orbital mechanics
- simulation
- on web (free of charge)
Bond Breaker
- testtubegames.com/bondbreaker.html
- electrostatics, chemistry
- 2d puzzle/action
- web, Android, iOS (free of charge)
Meqanic
- www.meqanic.com/app
- quantum computation and quantum information
- puzzle / blocks
- web (free of charge), iOS ($)
Relativity Wars
- store.steampowered.com/app/341640/Relativity_Wars__A_Science_Space_RTS](https://store.steampowered.com/app/341640/Relativity_Wars__A_Science_Space_RTS/)
- space arcade / RTS
- some parts of relativity
- Android (
$), iOS ($ ), MacOS ($), Windows ($ )
Quantum Game with Photons
- quantumgame.io
- quantum mechanics, quantum optics
- puzzle / board / simulator
- web (free of charge)
- MIT license: github.com/stared/quantum-game
- blog post: Quantum mechanics for high-school students
Quantum Marble Maze
- tropic.org.uk/~crispin/quantum/
- quantum mechanics, continuous wavefunction
- puzzle / action / simulator
- Java application (free and open source)
- GPL based: LICENSE.txt
- blog post: Learning Quantum Mechanics the Easy Way
Quantum Moves, Quantum Minds
- www.scienceathome.org/games
- adiabatic processes for quantum states
- puzzle / action
- citizen science
- Quantum Moves (free of charge): GNU/Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS
- Quantum Minds (free of charge): MacOS, Windows
The Electric Shocktopus
- testtubegames.com/shocktopus.html
- electromagnetism
- platformer
- web (free of charge), GNU/Linux (
$) , MacOS ($ ), Windows ($)
High Frontier
- boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/172737/high-frontier-3rd-edition
- models space mission logistics
- living game board and rules incorporate actual data as it is discovered
- realistic resource usage and physics modeling
- board game ($)
Osmos
- www.osmos-game.com
- gravity and conservation of momentum
- puzzle / action / strategy
- GNU/Linux (
$), MacOS ($ ), Windows ($), Android ($ ), iOS ($)
HelloQuantum
- helloquantum.mybluemix.net
- quantum operations on 2 quibits
- puzzle
- iOS (free)
- blog post: Hello Quantum: Taking your first steps into quantum computation
- its terminal-based open-source version: https://github.com/decodoku/Quantum_Programming_Tutorial
- Free arcade version (trial): https://quantum-qubit.netlify.app
QPong
- Python version: https://github.com/HuangJunye/QPong
- Unity version: https://github.com/HuangJunye/QPong-Unity
- Quantum version of Pong with paddles controlled by quantum circuits
- sports (Pong was sports)
- Linux, Windows, macOS (free of charge)
- Apache 2.0 license
- videos:
- blog post:
QiskitBlocks
- QiskitBlocks.org
- Minecraft-like environment with quantum circuit demonstrations, puzzles, and escape rooms
- puzzle / strategy
- Linux, Windows, macOS, Android (free of charge)
- Apache 2.0 license
- Videos:
- Used in quantum computing workshop:
Interplanetary Postal Service
- github.com/s-macke/Interplanetary-Postal-Service
- Fluid dynamics
- Lunar Lander genre
- web (free of charge)
Spintronics Simulator
- www.turingtumble.com/upperstory/spintronics/simulator/index.html
- Electric circuits
- Puzzle
- Emulate electric circuits using mechanical devices
- web (free of charge)
- A physical and commercial version is available on Kickstarter
Chemistry
Covalence
- boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/184663/covalence-molecule-building-game
- molecules
- board game ($)
Ion
- boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/174611/ion-compound-building-game
- compounds
- board game ($)
Atomix (1990)
- classicreload.com/atomix.html
- molecules
- puzzle game
- DOS
- extra: Atomix on Wikipedia
Sokobond
- www.sokobond.com
- molecules
- puzzle game
- Windows/MacOS/Linux ($)
Biology
Thrive
- https://revolutionarygamesstudio.com/
- Cellular biology, evolution
- Evolution simulator, top-down perspective. The player evolves and controls their own single cellular species, playing as one cell and competing against other AI species that evolve and adapt alongside them.
- Windows & Linux (free of charge)
- GNU General Public License
- Main repo
Incredipede
- http://www.incredipede.com/buy.html
- anatomy
- puzzle-platformer
- Unity-based
Cellcraft
- www.kongregate.com/games/cellcraft/cellcraft
- cell biology
- real-time strategy
- web-based Flash (free of charge)
Cell Lab: Evolution Sandbox
- www.cell-lab.net or Google Play Store
- evolution, cell biology
- design of reproducing organisms
- Android (free of charge)
Meta!Blast
- www.metablast.org or metnet-mbl.gdcb.iastate.edu
- plant and cell biology
- flight simulator
- nice descriptions of encountered elements
- MacOS, Windows (free of charge)
Foldit
- fold.it
- protein conformation
- 3d puzzle
- citizen science
- GNU/Linux, MacOS, Windows (free of charge)
Pathogenesis
- boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/199309/pathogenesis
- pathogens and immune response
- a deck building game
- board game ($)
- it was a successful Kickstarter project
Evolution: the origin of species
- boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/71021/evolution-origin-species
- evolution
- card game ($)
Cytosis
- boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/202977/cytosis-cell-biology-game
- cell biology
- board game ($)
Linkage
- boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/157586/linkage-dna-card-game
- molecular genetics
- board game ($)
Peptide
- boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/166298/peptide-protein-building-game
- proteins
- board game ($)
Virulence
- boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/202207/virulence-infectious-card-game
- viruses
- board game ($)
Digestix
- learning.alimentarium.ch/en/games
- digestion
- tower defense
- Android, iOS (soon on web) (free of charge)
Bios: Genesis
- boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/98918/bios-genesis
- players start as organic compounds shortly after Earth's formation
- create autocatalytic life and Darwinian life
- Players can play cooperative, competitive, or solitaire.
- board game ($)
Crescent Loom
- wick.works/crescentloom/
- Players build underwater creatures (a la Spore) and get them to move by weaving neurons into a simple brain.
- Neurons are simulated using a compartmental RC-circuit model.
- Window/Mac/Linux ($), web (demo, free of charge)
- Kickstarter founded: Crescent Loom: weave neurons, stitch muscles, create life.
Macromolecule Man
- biomanbio.com/HTML5GamesandLabs/LifeChemgames/macromoleculeman-page.html
- side-scrolling platform game whereby you are Mac, the Macromolecule Man.
💪 - Using your molecule blaster, you will solve a variety of puzzles, building and using the key biological molecules that make life possible.
- Learn about carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and their building blocks.
- web-based (free of charge)
Computer science
Digital Logic Design (The Game)
- http://asteriskman7.github.io/dldtg/
- digital logic design
- increment game
- web-based (free of charge)
- GPLv3 License: https://github.com/asteriskman7/dldtg
nandgame
- http://nandgame.com/
- digital logic and computer design
- puzzle
- build a processor from start
- web-based (free of charge)
Deadlock Empire
- https://deadlockempire.github.io/
- Multi-threading
- puzzle
- web (free of charge)
Recursed
- Steam page
- Functional programming
- puzzle
- Desktop
Turing Game
- turing-game.pl
- Turing tape, programming
- puzzle
- web (free of charge)
Spacechem
- http://www.spacechemthegame.com
- algorithms
- puzzle
- Android (
$), GNU/Linux ($ ), Windows ($)
Code Master - The Ultimate Coding Board Game
- http://www.thinkfun.com/products/code-master/
- algorithms, programming
- board game ($)
Colobot
- https://colobot.info/
- programming multiple, possibly interacting, robots
- GNU/Linux, MacOS, Windows (free of charge)
- GNU GPLv3+ license: http://github.com/colobot
TIS-100
- www.zachtronics.com/tis-100
- programming
- multiple very constrained CPUs + communication
- SpaceChem-style optimization
- GNU/Linux (
$), MacOS ($ ), Windows ($)
Shenzhen I/O
- www.zachtronics.com/shenzhen-io
- programming
- puzzle
- author of other games: http://www.zachtronics.com/ including SpaceChem
- see also: Lessons Learned from Shenzhen I/O
- GNU/Linux (
$), MacOS ($ ), Windows ($)
Opus Magnum
- www.zachtronics.com/opus-magnum/
- programming
- puzzle
- author of other games: http://www.zachtronics.com/ including SpaceChem, TIS 100, Shenzhen I/O
- GNU/Linux (
$), MacOS ($ ), Windows ($)
Robozzle
- http://www.robozzle.com/
- algorithms
- puzzle
- user-generated content
- web, Android, iOS, Windows Phone (free of charge)
- part proprietary, part Ms-PL license: http://robozzle.codeplex.com/)
Human Resource Machine
- https://tomorrowcorporation.com/humanresourcemachine
- programming
- puzzle
- automation and optimization
- from the designers of Little Inferno and World of Goo
- GNU/Linux (
$), MacOS ($ ), Windows ($), Android ($ ), iOS ($), Wii U ($ )
Hour of Code
- https://code.org/learn
- many puzzle games about programming and algorithms
- some famous licenses (e.g., Minecraft, Disney)
- web-based (free of charge)
- part proprietary, part Apache 2.0: https://github.com/code-dot-org/code-dot-org
Decodoku
- http://decodoku.com/
- quantum computation
- quantum error correction
- citizen science
- Web / Mac / Windows / Android / iPhone (free of charge)
- see also: Decodoku in 2017
- MIT license: https://github.com/decodoku
Cube Composer
- david-peter.de/cube-composer/
- functional programming
- puzzle games
- web-based (free of charge)
- MIT license: https://github.com/sharkdp/cube-composer
Untrusted —or— the Continuing Adventures of Dr. Eval
- alexnisnevich.github.io/untrusted/
- programming in JavaScript
- roguelike, puzzle
- web, JavaScript (free of charge)
- dual licensed proprietary and CC BY-NC-SA 3.0: https://github.com/AlexNisnevich/untrusted
Factorio
- factorio.com
- simulation building
- collect resources and design factories
- automate all aspects of factory production
- Windows (
$), Mac ($ ), GNU/Linux ($)
Infinifactory
- www.zachtronics.com/infinifactory/
- algorithms, optimization
- puzzle
- Like a cross between SpaceChem and Factorio
- Windows (
$), Mac ($ ), GNU/Linux ($)
Google Turing Doodle
- https://www.google.com/doodles/alan-turings-100th-birthday
- Turing tape programming
- puzzle games
- web-based (free of charge)
- Apache license: https://github.com/google/turing-doodle
WarriorJS
- warrior.js.org
- programming and AI
- code-writing
- web-based (free of charge)
- MIT License: https://github.com/olistic/warriorjs
Health
Lifesaver
- www.life-saver.org.uk
- cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- interactive video story, fast-paced
- web-based (Flash) (free of charge)
Vax!
- vax.herokuapp.com
- epidemic prevention, vaccination, network science
Mathematics
SET
- www.setgame.com
- addition in finite field (
Z_3^4) - real-time card game ($)
- Set (game) - Wikipedia and Which popular games are the most mathematical? - MathOverflow
A game of numbers
- agameofnumbers.com
- arithmetic
- puzzle/maze
- GNU/Linux (
$), MacOS ($ ), Windows ($)
HyperRogue
- www.roguetemple.com/z/hyper/
- geometry of hyperbolic plane
- a rogue-like game
- GNU/Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Pandora (pay-what-you-want)
- GNU GPLv2 license: https://github.com/zenorogue/hyperrogue, partly proprietary on Android and iOS
HydraSlayer
- www.roguetemple.com/z/hydra/
- arithmetic, a bit of number theory
- a rogue-like game
- GNU/Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android (pay-what-you-want)
- license: version 17 and Android version GNU GPLv2 (code on homepage); version 18 appears to be proprietary
Mathbreakers
- www.mathbreakers.com
- arithmetics
- 3d adventure game
- GNU/Linux (
$), MacOS ($ ), Windows ($) with free of charge demo
Euclid the Game
- euclidthegame.com
- planar geometry
- web (link above looks dead, though), iOS
- MIT license: https://github.com/euclidthegame/euclidthegame.iOS
Euclidea
- euclidea
- planar geometry
- web, Android, iOS (free of charge)
Engare
- Engare (and Engare on Steam)
- geometry, curves
- motion puzzle
- MacOS (
$), Windows ($ )
Refractions
- centerforgamescience.org/blog/portfolio/refraction
- fractions
- puzzle
- paper on optimizing: http://grail.cs.washington.edu/projects/ordering/
- web, iOS (free of charge)
Havel-Hakimi
- jacquerie.github.io/hh/
- graph theory
- puzzle
- web (free of charge)
- MIT license: https://github.com/jacquerie/hh
4D Toys
- 4dtoys.com
- playing with 4-dimensional shapes
- Windows ($)
Dragonbox Algebra
- dragonbox algebra
- Entertaining puzzle game stealthily teaches you to solve algebraic equations
- Android (
$), iOS ($ )
Sociology and economy
Peacemaker
- www.peacemakergame.com
- Israel-Palestine peace process (unfortunately outdated and too optimistic)
- strategy
- Android (
$), iOS ($ ), Kindle Fire ($), MacOS ($ ), Windows ($)
Democracy 3
- www.positech.co.uk/democracy3
- democracy, ruling country
- turn-based economical strategy
- GNU/Linux (
$), MacOS ($ ), Windows ($)
Parable of the Polygons
- ncase.me/polygons
- social diversity, racial segregation (and phase transitions)
- agent-based simulation
- web (free of charge)
- CC0 license: https://github.com/ncase/polygons
Humanities
philo: socratic games
- gregkarber.com/philo
- simple 2d platformers (puzzle, not - action)
- philosophical concepts, fallacies
- web (free of charge)
- CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license
Socrates Jones: Pro Philosopher
- Play online on Kongregate or Newsgrounds
- visual novel based on Ace Attorney series
- different concepts of ethics
Snakisms
- pippinbarr.github.io/SNAKISMS/
- variants of the Snake game
- philosophical concepts
- web (free of charge)
Design
Kern Type, the kerning game
- https://type.method.ac/
- adjusting letters
- web (free of charge)
The Bézier Game
- bezier.method.ac
- drawing Bézier curves
- web (free of charge)
Life experience games
There are a few games that feel somewhat related (even if not that much science-based). I (@stared) considered putting them in psychology/sociology, but it turned out to be a controversial issue. Again, what is crucial - it's not about only about theme, but game mechanics aligned with experiencing a difficult life situation.
Depression Quest
- www.depressionquest.com
- living with depression
- text-based game (with choices based on energy/motivation - even though other options are visible)
- web (free), Steam ($)
This War of Mine
- store.steampowered.com/app/282070/This_War_of_Mine/
- horrors of being a civilian in a besieged city
- survival RPG
- Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, iOS, Android, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Steam ($)
- Wikipedia entry
SOMA
- somagame.com
- existentialism, transhumanism, mind-uploading
- survival first-person perspective
- PlayStation 4, Windows, OS X, Linux
- Steam ($)
- (this one even more subjective, just one allowing to feel some philosophical problems)
Bonus
(prototype) Grounded: Circuits
- sjbyrnes.com/1235
- electric circuits
- 'hydrodynamical' simulation
- web (free of charge)
(side note) Vim shortcuts gamified
If it is possible to gamify such seemingly boring things as learning keyboard shortcuts, then the sky's the limit!
- vim-adventures.com
-
www.vimsnake.com
- unclear license status, repo: https://github.com/patmood/vim_snake
Meta
How to contribute
Content
The easiest way is to edit this file, commit and create a Pull Request.
Remember to include:
- working link (and its nicer version), e.g.
[immunology-fps.edu](https://immunology-fps.edu) - field of science or engineering, e.g.
immunology - type of game
first-person shooter - (optional) technology or system, e.g.
Android, iOS, web - (optional) link to additional materials (e.g. repo, some interesting blog post about this game)
A game needs to fit this category and it needs to have science-based mechanics (not only theme!) as its major part as:
Any sufficiently advanced game is indistinguishable from a science-based game. - PM, HN comment
Also, for games from typical genres, the bar is much higher. It is not enough that "you learn about ancient warfare" or "you explore outer space". As a rule of thumb, mainstream games don't fit here (with the exception of Kerbal Space Program).
When a game is free (as in freedom, not price), the license and code repository will be stated when possible. Please note that unless otherwise stated, the game is proprietary or a license can't be found.
Form
If you want to change its form, you are invited as well - but then create your fork (and I would be happy to hear about it!).
All remarks, questions or discussions go to https://github.com/stared/science-based-games-list/issues/ (or @pmigdal Twitter).
Ideas
- Do it in YAML? (To make it more semantic.)
- Make it more visual? (In the line of https://github.com/EliotAndres/kaggle-past-solutions.)
- Add other fields like release date or dev status?
- Add some standardized (600x400?) screenshots?