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Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astronomer, has brought together some of the most prominent names in science and literature as well as Bill Nye, an educator and scientist, as well as Neil Gaiman, an author. FilmMagic/Fox/Ulf andersen/Steve Jennings/Frederick M. EXTREMECRAFT Brown/Getty Images Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist and science communicator, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a unique kind of computer game. The game's name is "Space Odyssey", and the team behind it is hoping to create a game that is both educational and fun about physics, biology and space. Players will learn what goes into vehicle and robot design as they design their own unique machines. In an open-world "sandbox" design players will discover alien worlds, some that may even be alive. One session might have a participant pilot a ship through an asteroidal belt or design a robot that can mine comets for valuable resources. The team is planning to integrate virtual reality experiences as well and put players at the heart of the action. EXTREMECRAFT In addition to Neil deGrasse Tyson are such luminaries in science and science communication, including rocket scientist Loretta Falcone, cosmologist Janna Levin, astrophysicist Charles Liu, planetary scientist Carolyn Porco, astronomer Amy Mainzer and former astronaut Mike Massimino and science communicator Bill Nye. He invited authors such as Neil Gaiman and Larry Niven, Peter Beagle, George R. EXTREMECRAFT R. Martin to assist in the creation of the world through creativity. The project is supported by a variety of scientists, artists gamers, and other notable people in the scientific and creative fields. Although this is a brand new project, it's certainly not the first example of an educational computer game. From the old classics like "Oregon Trail" to the modified versions of the well-known game "Minecraft," game designers and educators have long recognized the value of of teaching through play. But Tyson's new game - the full title is "Neil deGrasse Tyson Presents: Space Odyssey - The Video Game" appears to it's a particularly ambitious creation. Kickstarter's goal to raise $314,159 (a not a lot until you consider the digits pi) will end on July 29th, which is a Saturday. The creators acknowledge that funding will only be part of the Whatnot Entertainment's efforts to make "Space Odyssey" feasible. If all goes as planned you may soon be able go off to explore the world from the comfort of your sofa. This is interesting In a conversation with the HowStuffWorks podcast Stuff You Need to Be Educated About, Neil deGrasse Tyson said that he would like to expand world-wide education to increase the likelihood of human culture producing "another Einstein.
