Quantum computer for 2-6 players
Without a master's degree in quantum engineering, but tinkering with a supercomputer with the whole family: Under the direction of the Technical University of Braunschweig, the “QUANTista” project team is developing a board game about quantum technologies. Without any prior knowledge, the game aims to make what happens in research laboratories understandable in an entertaining way. As an experienced game designer, Uwe Rosenberg, known for games such as Bohnanza, Agricola and Caverna, is responsible for developing the game. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is funding the project with around 820,000 euros.
Quantum technology for all ages
Whether it's the game of the year with the family under the Christmas tree, five-hour strategy duels or 100 million Uno downloads: Games bring together people from all age groups, whether families or cliques of friends. Although electronic devices are ahead in the 12-14 age group according to the online platform statista, card and board games are already in second place among the favorite toys. A board game can thus become a successful influencer. This is precisely the goal of the QUANTista project team. The game aims to present the new quantum technologies in an entertaining way and raise awareness of the associated job profiles.
“First and foremost, of course, the game should be playable and fun. But when you consider how many people know what a settlement in Catan costs, there's no lack of learning while playing and having fun,” says project coordinator Professor Stefanie Kroker from TU Braunschweig.
Project team and schedule
In order to create a good game from a complex topic, TU researchers from the QuantumFrontiers Cluster of Excellence and Quantum Valley Lower Saxony, Stuttgart-based physics didactics expert Professor Ronny Nawrodt and Berlin-based Professor Jens Junge and his team from the Institute of Ludology as well as successful game author Uwe Rosenberg are initially working together. The first concept and design versions are to be tested by the first game groups as early as 2025. The publisher Skellig Games will then use the feedback received to produce the first 3,000 demonstrators for games fairs and cafés and will be able to make the game permanent after the end of the project period (May 2024 to May 2027).
Click here for the official BMBF project!