Genes in Space is a game first developed by scientists at Cambridge. Later, it was picked up and produced by Game Jam. The game is free to play, but provides data to help speed up the process of finding a cure for cancer, playing what is essentially a rail shooter on steroids. Genes in Space has had quite the extensive marketing campaign, reaching out to people through social network sites like Facebook and Twitter, as well running ads on many popular websites.
Gameplay is as follows: You collect data while piloting a space ship throughout the various “levels” of the game. Data is referred to as the “Collective Force” where all input from the player is sent back to Cambridge. The data is then used to help scientists map out the bad sectors of cells that could develop into breast cancer cells by using DNA samples they have taken from cancer patients.
It’s quite amazing that a game developer have found a way to make something so vital to many across the world accessible and fun through a game like this. It’s a small, but effective way we can all help to hopefully find a cure for breast cancer worldwide.
If you want to help the campaign in fighting breast cancer or want more information about Cancer research, then click the link below to Cancer Research UK.
This game is available for all Android and Apple devices.