Trekking through the serene depths of the ocean in FathomVerse, players encounter a vibrant array of marine life: from graceful jellies to elusive octopuses, each species awaits discovery. Developed by Ocean Vision AI at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), this mobile game invites players to immerse themselves in ocean exploration while contributing to scientific research.
Echoing the calming ambiance of titles like Animal Crossing and Sims, FathomVerse transports gamers into the tranquil expanse of the underwater world. As players collect and identify various ocean creatures, they embark on a mission to expand their knowledge and make significant contributions to scientific understanding.
With 40 different animal missions to choose from, players receive briefings that guide them in identifying and cataloging sea creatures. By correctly identifying marine life and accumulating points, players unlock more challenging missions and delve deeper into the mysteries of the ocean.
Lilli Wakinekona Carlsen, engagement coordinator with Ocean Vision AI at MBARI, highlights the game’s dual purpose: entertainment and scientific advancement. Through gameplay, participants assist in refining AI models used by researchers to analyze vast amounts of visual data collected from the ocean depths.
Drawing inspiration from community science apps like iNaturalist and eBird, FathomVerse aims to engage a global community of ocean enthusiasts in the process of image labeling and verification. By gamifying this task, the game seeks to democratize scientific participation and enhance the accuracy of AI-driven research.
Kakani Katija, MBARI’s principal engineer and the driving force behind FathomVerse, envisioned the game as a means to spark interest and appreciation for ocean life. Inspired by the cultural phenomenon of Pokémon Go, Katija sought to harness the same enthusiasm for real-world creatures inhabiting the ocean depths.
Collaborating with game design experts and developers, including &ranj Serious Games and Internet of Elephants, FathomVerse represents a fusion of scientific research and interactive entertainment. By sharing the wonder of marine life with a broader audience, the game aims to accelerate our understanding of ocean ecosystems while showcasing the positive impact of AI technology.
Through FathomVerse, players embark on a journey of discovery, unlocking the secrets of the ocean and contributing to a collective effort to preserve and protect marine environments for future generations.
