FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Var and the Vikings – Learn Artificial Intelligence Programming for Games
February 25, 2013 – Var and the Vikings is a fresh take on educational
gaming that teaches Artificial Intelligence through a platform game
with a twist. Players control one viking, and then use an artificial
intelligence interface to automate their Nordic teammates. Together
they smash through the invading steampunk hordes. The next generation
of potential game designers can use their newfound understanding of
AI to build their own games.
Fueled by the depressing state of educational games, Var and the
Vikings sets out to raise the bar. Brainworth CEO, Ben Sand, expounds
the need for high quality education games in a call to action that has
been endorsed as “a superb manifesto” by game designer, TED speaker
and New York Times best-selling author Jane McGonigal. [Ben Sand:
“Improving education is the most pressing moral issue we face.
Educational Games are the strongest answer to this challenge.”
The team has even attracted AAA talent for concept art from Cartel
Artists (Halo Reach, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations).
The United States spends over a $1 trillion a year on education ($800
Billion from public money alone). By contrast, only $21 Billion is
spent on video games. Meanwhile many students will spend more time
gaming than studying. Educational games that people actually want to
play are the most effective and affordable fixes for education
problems in the USA and beyond.
"It was a satisfying moment when our playtesters’ only complaint was
they wanted more levels! We’ve come to Kickstarter to turn our
playable prototype into a full game and hopefully show other people
that educational games can actually be fun,” says Sand.
The Kickstarter campaign for Var and the Vikings ends Sunday March 23,
2013. Visit the Kickstarter Page here
About Brainworth:
Brainworth was founded by Ben Sand in July 2010 in Sydney, Australia,
and was built up with CTO Dave Wilcox and CMO Leigh Harris. Their
first Kickstarter in 2012 focused on their experimental educational
game platform, and attracted international attention. Though the
funding goal was not achieved, Brainworth has learned important
lessons and has come back harder and stronger than ever, collaborating
in Europe and the United States with top educators, filmmakers and
game creators. Brainworth has won the support of the talented Cartel
Artists (Halo Reach, Assassin’s Creed).
Visit the Kickstarter Page here
