Innovative Mobile Video Game Tackling Aquatic Invasive Species Released for Public Use
The Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) and Lake Champlain Sea Grant (LCSG) proudly unveil their latest collaborative effort: a video game aimed at raising awareness about the threats posed by aquatic invasive species in the Adirondack Park. The game, titled "Aquatic Invaders," challenges players to take on the role of an invasive species, navigating waterbodies while attempting to spread and thrive without detection by the AWI.
Designed to educate players about the real-world consequences of aquatic invasive species, "Aquatic Invaders" combines entertainment with environmental education. Players will experience the challenges faced by these harmful invaders while gaining insights into the crucial work of the AWI in preserving the unique ecosystems of the Adirondack Park.
“I wanted to create something that could easily be used anywhere at any time,” says Stephanie Tyski, developer of “Aquatic Invaders” and Watershed Science Communication Fellow with the AWI and LCSG. “Teachers can bring up the game and play it with their whole class if they need to fill about 15 minutes, or make a whole lesson out of it by having the kids play by themselves and then talk about how invasive species impact our environment. We have a lot of watercraft inspection stewards across the park who can share this game with families to help keep kids entertained while their parents are prepping the boat. But it’s not mindless entertainment, it’s a learning experience that can be applied right there at the launch. This is a game that will be available for everyone to play, regardless of their age.”
While Tyski has experience developing video games on her own, she enlisted the help of Sean Craver, a recent graduate from SUNY Canton with a degree in Video Game Design, to ensure industry standards were met.
"I'm thrilled to partner with Stephanie and the Adirondack Watershed Institute for this project. My passion has always been to create games that blend entertainment with purpose. Aquatic Invaders fits perfectly with that goal,” said Craver.
Key Features of "Aquatic Invaders"
Engaging Gameplay: Jump into a thrilling adventure as you assume the role of an aquatic invasive species, strategizing to spread and adapt to outsmart the Adirondack Watershed Institute.
Educational Content: Learn about the various invasive species threatening the Adirondack Park and understand the ecological consequences of their spread.
Adaptation and Strategy: Gain points by successfully infiltrating waterbodies, and use them to adapt your species, making it both more effective at spreading and harder for the AWI to detect.
Check out Aquatic Invaders now!
“Aquatic Invaders” can be found on the Adirondack Watershed Institute’s website. The game is currently not available to play on Apple devices, but it will be soon.
About the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute
The mission of the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is to protect clean water, conserve habitats and support the health and well-being of people in the Adirondacks through scientific inquiry, stewardship and real-world experiences for students. For more information, please visit adkwatershed.org.
About the Lake Champlain Sea Grant
The Lake Champlain Sea Grant Institute develops and shares science-based knowledge to benefit the environment and economies of the Lake Champlain basin. The Institute is a cooperative effort of the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont (UVM) and the Lake Champlain Research Institute at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh. It operates through partnerships with UVM Extension, state and local government agencies, and numerous other local organizations. For more information, go to uvm.edu/seagrant.