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Science-based games - a collaborative list
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Science-based games - a collaborative list

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# Science-based games



> The list is essentially about educational based games that nailed entertainment (with a focus on scientific phenomenon). - [mettamage on HN](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14661821)



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](https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/)), where everyone is welcomed to contribute! See: [how to contribute](#how-to-contribute). It was started, and is being maintained, by [Piotr Migdał](http://p.migdal.pl/) (the author of [Quantum Game with Photons](http://quantumgame.io/)).



A mini table of contents: [Physics](#physics), [Chemistry](#chemistry), [Biology](#biology), [Computer Science](#computer-science), [Health](#health), [Mathematics](#mathematics), [Sociology and economy](#sociology-and-economy), [Humanities](#humanities)



## Games



### Physics



#### Velocity Raptor



* [www.testtubegames.com/velocityraptor.html](http://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](http://www.testtubegames.com/higgsflash.html)

* elementary particles

  * charges, antiparticles, neutrino oscillations, decay

* puzzle ([Atomix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomix_%28video_game%29)-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](http://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](https://github.com/MITGameLab/OpenRelativity)



#### Chromatron



* [silverspaceship.com/chromatron](http://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](https://kerbalspaceprogram.com)

* Newtonian physics, space program

* strategy

* GNU/Linux ($), MacOS ($), Windows ($)



#### Orbiter 2016



* [orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/index](http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/index.html)

* Newtonian physics, orbital mechanics, flight mechanics

* Space Flight Simulator

* Windows (free)



#### Delta V

* [deltav.corpsmoderne.net](http://deltav.corpsmoderne.net/)

* Newtonian physics, orbital mechanics

* simulation

* on web (free of charge)



#### Bond Breaker



* [testtubegames.com/bondbreaker.html](http://testtubegames.com/bondbreaker.html)

* electrostatics, chemistry

* 2d puzzle/action

* web, Android, iOS (free of charge)



#### Meqanic



* [www.meqanic.com/app](http://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](http://quantumgame.io)

* quantum mechanics, quantum optics

* puzzle / board / simulator

* web (free of charge)

* MIT license: [github.com/stared/quantum-game](https://github.com/stared/quantum-game)

* blog post: [Quantum mechanics for high-school students](http://p.migdal.pl/2016/08/15/quantum-mechanics-for-high-school-students.html)



#### Quantum Marble Maze



* [tropic.org.uk/~crispin/quantum/](http://tropic.org.uk/~crispin/quantum/)

* quantum mechanics, continuous wavefunction

* puzzle / action / simulator

* Java application (free and open source)

* GPL based: [LICENSE.txt](https://github.com/fiftysevendegreesofrad/quantum/blob/master/quantum/LICENSE.txt)

* blog post: [Learning Quantum Mechanics the Easy Way](https://linkingideasblog.wordpress.com/2016/04/25/learning-quantum-mechanics-the-easy-way/)



#### Quantum Moves, Quantum Minds



* [www.scienceathome.org/games](https:/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](http://testtubegames.com/shocktopus.html)

* electromagnetism

* platformer

* web (free of charge), GNU/Linux ($) , MacOS ($), Windows ($)



#### High Frontier



* [boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/172737/high-frontier-3rd-edition](https://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](http://www.osmos-game.com/)

* gravity and conservation of momentum

* puzzle / action / strategy

* GNU/Linux ($), MacOS ($), Windows ($), Android ($), iOS ($)



#### HelloQuantum



* [helloquantum.mybluemix.net](http://helloquantum.mybluemix.net/)

* quantum operations on 2 quibits

* puzzle

* iOS (free)

* blog post: [Hello Quantum: Taking your first steps into quantum computation](https://medium.com/qiskitters/hello-quantum-2c1c00fe830c)

* 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](https://github.com/HuangJunye/QPong)

* Unity version: [https://github.com/HuangJunye/QPong-Unity](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:

   * [Quantum Pong — Programming on Quantum Computers Ep 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1NZC5rqQD8)

   * [How to defeat classical computer in QPong](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEfF4cOoobc)

* blog post:

   * [Recap of Qiskit Camp 2019](https://medium.com/qiskit/recap-of-qiskit-camp-2019-4d95f07dd179)

   * [The History of Games for Quantum Computers](https://medium.com/@decodoku/the-history-of-games-for-quantum-computers-a1de98859b5a)



#### QiskitBlocks



* [QiskitBlocks.org](https://github.com/JavaFXpert/QiskitBlocks)

* 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:

   * [QiskitBlocks brief demo](https://vimeo.com/356185384)

* Used in quantum computing workshop:

   * [Quantum Computing Workshop with QiskitBlocks](https://slides.com/javafxpert/qiskitblocks)



#### Interplanetary Postal Service



* [github.com/s-macke/Interplanetary-Postal-Service](https://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](https://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](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/upperstory/spintronics-build-mechanical-circuits)



### Chemistry



#### Covalence



* [boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/184663/covalence-molecule-building-game](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/184663/covalence-molecule-building-game)

* molecules

* board game ($)



#### Ion



* [boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/174611/ion-compound-building-game](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/174611/ion-compound-building-game)

* compounds

* board game ($)



### Atomix (1990)



* [classicreload.com/atomix.html](https://classicreload.com/atomix.html)

* molecules

* puzzle game

* DOS

* extra: [Atomix on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomix_(video_game))



#### Sokobond



* [www.sokobond.com](http://www.sokobond.com/)

* molecules

* puzzle game

* Windows/MacOS/Linux ($)



### Biology



#### Thrive



* [https://revolutionarygamesstudio.com/](https://revolutionarygamesstudio.com/releases/)

* 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](https://github.com/Revolutionary-Games/Thrive)



#### Incredipede



* http://www.incredipede.com/buy.html

* anatomy

* puzzle-platformer

* Unity-based



#### Cellcraft



* [www.kongregate.com/games/cellcraft/cellcraft](http://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](http://www.cell-lab.net) or [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.saterskog.cell_lab)

* evolution, cell biology

* design of reproducing organisms

* Android (free of charge)



#### Meta!Blast



* [www.metablast.org](http://www.metablast.org/) or [metnet-mbl.gdcb.iastate.edu](http://metnet-mbl.gdcb.iastate.edu)

* plant and cell biology

* flight simulator

* nice descriptions of encountered elements

* MacOS, Windows (free of charge)



#### Foldit



* [fold.it](https://fold.it)

* protein conformation

* 3d puzzle

* citizen science

* GNU/Linux, MacOS, Windows (free of charge)



#### Pathogenesis



* [boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/199309/pathogenesis](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/199309/pathogenesis)

* pathogens and immune response

* a deck building game

* board game ($)

* it was a [successful Kickstarter project](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lorencunningham/pathogenesis)



#### Evolution: the origin of species



* [boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/71021/evolution-origin-species](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/71021/evolution-origin-species)

* evolution

* card game ($)



#### Cytosis



* [boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/202977/cytosis-cell-biology-game](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/202977/cytosis-cell-biology-game)

* cell biology

* board game ($)



#### Linkage



* [boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/157586/linkage-dna-card-game](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/157586/linkage-dna-card-game)

* molecular genetics

* board game ($)



#### Peptide



* [boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/166298/peptide-protein-building-game](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/166298/peptide-protein-building-game)

* proteins

* board game ($)



#### Virulence



* [boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/202207/virulence-infectious-card-game](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/202207/virulence-infectious-card-game)

* viruses

* board game ($)



#### Digestix



* [learning.alimentarium.ch/en/games](https://learning.alimentarium.ch/en/games)

* digestion

* tower defense

* Android, iOS (soon on web) (free of charge)



#### Bios: Genesis



* [boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/98918/bios-genesis](https://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/](http://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.](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wickworks/crescent-loom-stitch-muscles-weave-neurons-create)



#### Macromolecule Man



* [biomanbio.com/HTML5GamesandLabs/LifeChemgames/macromoleculeman-page.html](https://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/](http://asteriskman7.github.io/dldtg/)

* digital logic design

* increment game

* web-based (free of charge)

* GPLv3 License: [https://github.com/asteriskman7/dldtg](https://github.com/asteriskman7/dldtg)



#### nandgame

* [http://nandgame.com/](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/](https://deadlockempire.github.io/)

* Multi-threading

* puzzle

* web (free of charge)



#### Recursed



* [Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/497780/Recursed/)

* Functional programming

* puzzle

* Desktop



#### Turing Game



* [turing-game.pl](http://turing-game.pl/)

* Turing tape, programming

* puzzle

* web (free of charge)



#### Spacechem



* [http://www.spacechemthegame.com](http://www.spacechemthegame.com/)

* algorithms

* puzzle

* Android ($), GNU/Linux ($), Windows ($)



#### Code Master - The Ultimate Coding Board Game

* [http://www.thinkfun.com/products/code-master/](http://www.thinkfun.com/products/code-master/)

* algorithms, programming

* board game ($)



#### Colobot



* [https://colobot.info/](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](http://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](http://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](https://probablydance.com/2016/11/07/lessons-learned-from-shenzhen-io/)

* GNU/Linux ($), MacOS ($), Windows ($)



#### Opus Magnum



* [www.zachtronics.com/opus-magnum/](http://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/](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/](http://robozzle.codeplex.com/))



#### Human Resource Machine



* [https://tomorrowcorporation.com/humanresourcemachine](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](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](https://code.org/tos), part Apache 2.0: [https://github.com/code-dot-org/code-dot-org](https://github.com/code-dot-org/code-dot-org)



#### Decodoku



* [http://decodoku.com/](http://decodoku.com/)

* quantum computation

* quantum error correction

* citizen science

* Web / Mac / Windows / Android / iPhone (free of charge)

* see also: [Decodoku in 2017](https://medium.com/@decodoku/decodoku-in-2017-e68e63a6d09c)

* MIT license: [https://github.com/decodoku](https://github.com/decodoku)



#### Cube Composer



* [david-peter.de/cube-composer/](http://david-peter.de/cube-composer/)

* functional programming

* puzzle games

* web-based (free of charge)

* MIT license: [https://github.com/sharkdp/cube-composer](https://github.com/sharkdp/cube-composer)



#### Untrusted —or— the Continuing Adventures of Dr. Eval



* [alexnisnevich.github.io/untrusted/](http://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](https://github.com/AlexNisnevich/untrusted)



#### Factorio



* [factorio.com](https://www.factorio.com/)

* simulation building

* collect resources and design factories

* automate all aspects of factory production

* Windows ($), Mac ($), GNU/Linux ($)



#### Infinifactory



* [www.zachtronics.com/infinifactory/](http://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](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](https://github.com/google/turing-doodle)



#### WarriorJS



* [warrior.js.org](https://warrior.js.org/)

* programming and AI

* code-writing

* web-based (free of charge)

* MIT License: [https://github.com/olistic/warriorjs](https://github.com/olistic/warriorjs)



### Health



#### Lifesaver



* [www.life-saver.org.uk](https://www.life-saver.org.uk/)

* cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

* interactive video story, fast-paced

* web-based (Flash) (free of charge)



#### Vax!



* [vax.herokuapp.com](http://vax.herokuapp.com/)

* epidemic prevention, vaccination, network science



### Mathematics



#### SET



* [www.setgame.com](http://www.setgame.com/)

* addition in finite field (`Z_3^4`)

* real-time card game ($)

* [Set (game) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Set_%28game%29) and [Which popular games are the most mathematical? - MathOverflow](https://mathoverflow.net/a/13645)



#### A game of numbers



* [agameofnumbers.com](http://agameofnumbers.com/)

  * also: [playable demo](http://joedev.net/JSIL/Numbers/)

  * [Ludum Dare - an almost success story](http://www.ludumdare.com/compo/2013/08/02/an-almost-success-story/)

* arithmetic

* puzzle/maze

* GNU/Linux ($), MacOS ($), Windows ($)



#### HyperRogue



* [www.roguetemple.com/z/hyper/](http://www.roguetemple.com/z/hyper/)

* geometry of hyperbolic plane

* a rogue-like game

* GNU/Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Pandora ([pay-what-you-want](https://zenorogue.itch.io/hyperrogue))

* GNU GPLv2 license: [https://github.com/zenorogue/hyperrogue](https://github.com/zenorogue/hyperrogue), partly proprietary on Android and iOS



#### HydraSlayer



* [www.roguetemple.com/z/hydra/](http://www.roguetemple.com/z/hydra/)

* arithmetic, a bit of number theory

* a rogue-like game

* GNU/Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android ([pay-what-you-want](https://zenorogue.itch.io/hydra-slayer))

* license: version 17 and Android version GNU GPLv2 (code on homepage); version 18 appears to be proprietary



#### Mathbreakers



* [www.mathbreakers.com](https://www.mathbreakers.com/)

* arithmetics

* 3d adventure game

* GNU/Linux ($), MacOS ($), Windows ($) with free of charge demo



#### Euclid the Game



* [euclidthegame.com](http://euclidthegame.com/)

* planar geometry

* web (link above looks dead, though), iOS

* MIT license: [https://github.com/euclidthegame/euclidthegame.iOS](https://github.com/euclidthegame/euclidthegame.iOS)



#### Euclidea

* [euclidea](https://www.euclidea.xyz/)

* planar geometry

* web, Android, iOS (free of charge)



#### Engare

* [Engare](http://www.engare.design/) (and [Engare on Steam](http://store.steampowered.com/app/415170/Engare/))

* geometry, curves

* motion puzzle

* MacOS ($), Windows ($)



#### Refractions



* [centerforgamescience.org/blog/portfolio/refraction](http://centerforgamescience.org/blog/portfolio/refraction/)

  * [Refractions 2 for iPad](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/refraction-2/id720246677)

* fractions

* puzzle

* paper on optimizing: http://grail.cs.washington.edu/projects/ordering/

* web, iOS (free of charge)



#### Havel-Hakimi



* [jacquerie.github.io/hh/](http://jacquerie.github.io/hh/)

* graph theory

* puzzle

* web (free of charge)

* MIT license: [https://github.com/jacquerie/hh](https://github.com/jacquerie/hh)



#### 4D Toys



* [4dtoys.com](http://4dtoys.com/)

* playing with 4-dimensional shapes

* Windows ($)



#### Dragonbox Algebra



* [dragonbox algebra](https://dragonbox.com/products/algebra-12)

* Entertaining puzzle game stealthily teaches you to solve algebraic equations

* Android ($), iOS ($)



### Sociology and economy



#### Peacemaker



* [www.peacemakergame.com](http://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](http://www.positech.co.uk/democracy3/)

* democracy, ruling country

* turn-based economical strategy

* GNU/Linux ($), MacOS ($), Windows ($)



#### Parable of the Polygons



* [ncase.me/polygons](http://ncase.me/polygons/)

* social diversity, racial segregation (and phase transitions)

* agent-based simulation

* web (free of charge)

* CC0 license: [https://github.com/ncase/polygons](https://github.com/ncase/polygons)



### Humanities



#### philo: socratic games



* [gregkarber.com/philo](http://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](http://www.kongregate.com/games/chiefwakamakamu/socrates-jones-pro-philosopher) or [Newsgrounds](http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/625356)

* visual novel based on Ace Attorney series

* different concepts of ethics



#### Snakisms



* [pippinbarr.github.io/SNAKISMS/](https://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/](type.method.ac)

* adjusting letters

* web (free of charge)



#### The Bézier Game



* [bezier.method.ac](https://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](http://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/](http://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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_War_of_Mine)



#### SOMA



* [somagame.com](http://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](http://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](http://vim-adventures.com/)

* [www.vimsnake.com](http://www.vimsnake.com/)

    * unclear license status, repo: [https://github.com/patmood/vim_snake](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](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14662356)



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](https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html)), 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](https://twitter.com/pmigdal)).



### 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?