Sharkrunners: Real World Sensor Grid Feeds Hybrid Reality Science Game

IFTF friends area/code, a pervasive game design consultancy based in Manhattan launched Sharkrunners last week on the Discovery Channel's website as part of the 20th anniversary of Shark Week celebration.

Some of you may be aware of my fascination with all things marine and nautical, which I'm trying to record over at the Blue Economy Blog. But Sharkrunners is more than just an aquageek's dream. It's a multiplayer web game that's drawing down real sensor data from a collection of sharks that have been tagged off the coast of California by marine biologists. As the real sharks' positions are plotted using real-time GPS tracks, you move your virtual science vessel around to chase them. When you encounter a shark you are presented with options to send divers down to collect data, which results in additional research funding or sometimes SHARK ATTACKS! that can injure your researchers.

This is a great example of sensory infrastructure being used in a novel way for fun and learning, and it will be very interesting to watch as others find ways to extend this model.