Research & Grant Work
Playmatics has partnered with a considerable number of members within the research and scientific community to bring their research to life in the form of games, interactive digital and real-world experiences. In addition to product development, design and branding, we also work with scientists and researchers on commercialization, grant-writing and grants administration. Several of our products are involved in clinical trials.
Our Work in Research and Grants
To see out entire portfolio, visit the works page.
Neuroscience Game Experiment with University of Geneva
Playmatics has teamed up with the University of Geneva and Dr. Daphne Bavelier and Dr. C. Shawn Green to create a game-based intervention as part of a neuroscience research project. Called “Robbin’ Goblins”, the game uses a tower defense mechanic to encourage participation in an experimental exercise. The game will go into trials in the near future.
More information coming soon about this collaboration and about Robbin’ Goblins.
Scripps: Science Game Lab
Ready. Set. Explore.
Want to help science? Enjoy learning or playing games? Science Game Lab is a new portal for citizen science projects in need of your assistance, games with a purpose, and educational games in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Platform(s): Web
Partners: Scripps
Playmatics Role:
gamification design
BreatheFree Smoking Cessation Mobile Game
An NIH funded free-to-play mobile game exploring how games can be used as part of a unique smoking cessation approach. In progress. Currently in clinical trials.
Platform(s): iOS, Android
Partner(s): Entertainment Science
Playmatics Role:
Full design, development, commercialization, product strategy and live operations.
Killer Snails Board Game – The American Museum of Natural History
Killer Snails: Assassins of the Sea is a deck-building game in which the players are scientists collecting predatory cone snails that prey on fish, worms and other mollusks. The type of snail determines its strength and the type of prey eaten, and the snails produce different peptides. To win the game, the player must build a venom arsenal of the correct peptide toxin combinations- much as the marine biochemist who co-created the game does. The winning combination of peptides always changes as it is drawn at the beginning of each game.
In addition to a starter deck for each player, cards may be purchased from a card market. Cards with scientific events ranging from “research”, which provides a peek at part of the solution, to “tsunami”, which shifts all the prey cards on the table, offer strategic opportunities for victory. Additionally a variety of predators may be deployed to attack the competition’s snails. The game offers a dynamic play experience in which players have to react and adjust their strategy accordingly
To win Killer Snails: Assassins of the Sea, you must out-strategize your opponents to build a venom cocktail that matches the venom cocktail created at the beginning of the game. This game was designed in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History.
Platform(s): Board/Card game
Partners: Killer Snails, American Museum of Natural History
Playmatics Role:
Design and development.
Killer Snails mobile (National Science Foundation)
Platform(s): Web, iOS, Android
Partner(s): Killer Snails
Playmatics Role:
Design and Development
Koronis ADHD Phase I NIH Grant
Platform(s): Web
Partner(s): Koronis Biotech
Playmatics Role:
Prototype, design and development for the purposes of a research study leading to full product commercialization.
The American Museum of Natural History — MicroRangers
MicroRangers is a new mobile game at the Museum that shrinks you down to microscopic size and sends you into exhibits to combat threats to biodiversity. Nine MicroCrises await—real-world scenarios involving microorganisms— starting in the 1st floor Hall of Biodiversity. For advanced game players, marshall your resources to take on the 6th Extinction. Armed with the mobile app and a free Communicator Coin, augmented characters – both microbes and scientists – will send you on missions and help you along the way. Have fun while you learn how even the smallest things can make a big difference.
MicroRangers employs a range of technologies to: geolocate you within the Museum, offer augmented animated characters to guide you, and provide mini-games that bring the dioramas to life.
Platform(s): iOS, Android
Partners: American Museum of Natural History, Geomedia
Playmatics Role:
Game design
Our City with USAID
Through a one-of-a-kind serious game, players will engage in productive city-building experiences with opportunities to engage both on and offline. “Our City” will focus on exploring how social media, and more importantly serious social games, can engage and empower youth to understand how they can participate in building a vibrant city. The IYCE pilot game will develop an understanding of the key elements in building a vibrant city and offer players the opportunity to accelerate their advancement in the game both through online and offline, real world community engagements. Real-world experiences will be facilitated by strategic partnerships with local youth-focused NGOs. Players will learn to make decisions around an integrated on and offline engaging game experience, developing a community-oriented perspective to make a difference in their digital and real-world communities. Playmatics contributed design and product development services, including on-site visits.
Platform(s): Facebook
Partner(s): Nancy Schwartzman, Jessica Devaney
Playmatics Role:
Game design services.
Confidential Project with Nancy Schwartzmann
Top secret game.
Platform(s): Real-world, web, iOS, Android
Partners:Nancy Schwartzman, Jessica Devaney
Playmatics Role:
Design and development.
Wonder Aquarium (focus training)
An NIH funded game to train executive function and ADHD treatments. Currently in trials.
Platform(s):
Web
Partner(s): Think Now
Playmatics Role:
Design and development.
