Naturpark Lillebælt - VR Educational Game


In 2022 we were contacted by Naturpark Lillebælt, who wanted help conceptualizing a new way to disseminate and teach young people about marine biodiversity and sustainability in Denmark's Lillebælt region.

The Challenge

Our initial challenge was to develop a VR game that could effectively convey the importance of marine conservation and educate players about the unique biodiversity of Lillebælt.

We needed to strike a balance between fun, engagement, and educational content while ensuring that players understood the relevance of their actions within the game to real-world conservation efforts.

We would also have to get recordings of 360 degree dive footage in the waters of Lillebælt and let players experience that in the VR game.

Naturpark - Innopixel

Exploring a new and innovative way for students to learn about the life in Lillebælt.

Our Approach

We began by collaborating closely with Naturpark Lillebælt to understand their vision and the specific challenges facing the region. To ensure the game's success, we conducted extensive research on Lillebælt's biotopes and the species that inhabit it. It was very important for Naturpark Lillebælt, that we included a focus on pre-selected biotopes that are pivotal to their work in restoring Lillebælt.

Next, we conceptualized various approaches for the game to identify the most suitable platform for delivering a truly immersive experience. Early in the development process, we created a prototype to test gameplay dynamics and ensure that the missions were both entertaining and educational. We engaged in an iterative design process, fine-tuning the game mechanics based on client feedback.

Naturpark gameplay - Innopixel
Naturpark gameplay - Innopixel

The Solution

Our VR game, titled "Naturpark Lillebælt VR" takes players on a journey through the diverse biotopes of Lillebælt, mirroring the real-world conservation efforts in the region. Within a fictional biohub lab on the bottom of Lillebælt, we created a non-linear mission based game, where players actively participate in eelgrass planting, marine trash cleanup, fish photography, and more. Each mission underscores the significance of their actions in conserving Lillebælt's precious marine life.

Our VR experience doesn't stop with the missions; it also invites players to relax and interact with the marine world. Players can mix "Seaweed Smoothies" at a virtual cafe, adding an entertaining and educational dimension to their adventure.

The VR game was also submitted to Meta Quest App Lab as well as Steam Game Store, free for everyone to download and enjoy.

Our
Conclusion

Our collaboration with Naturpark Lillebælt has resulted in a truly innovative VR experience that not only entertains but also educates players about marine conservation and the importance of preserving Lillebælt's biodiversity. “Naturpark Lillebælt VR” offers an engaging, immersive, and interactive way to connect with the wonders of the ocean, all while raising awareness about the region's unique marine ecosystem and the vital role each player can take in its protection. This project underscores our commitment to using technology as a force for good, engaging and educating users in the pursuit of environmental sustainability. We look forward to the positive impact it will have in raising awareness about Lillebælt and marine conservation.

Get the game here

Services used

  • Virtual reality
  • Motion capture
  • Unity
  • Augmented Reality
  • AI technology
  • Meta & Steam