Prepare to dive into the depths of the ocean with FathomVerse, a groundbreaking smartphone game that blurs the barriers between gaming and scientific inquiry. FathomVerse, which was released on May 1st and is accessible on the App Store and Google Play, provides users with a unique opportunity to engage in ocean exploration while also contributing to marine research endeavors.
The combined power of gaming and science: a force for good
FathomVerse is the product of a collaboration between MBARI software engineers, &ranj Serious Games, a Netherlands-based game development studio focused on positive behavioral change through play, and Internet of Elephants, a wildlife and nature technology company. Led by MBARI Principal Engineer Kakani Katija, the team hopes to use gaming to solve the difficulty of processing massive volumes of ocean data while also motivating a new generation of ocean enthusiasts.
Deep dive into FathomNet, a vast ocean database
FathomNet, a robust database including approximately 100,000 tagged photos from MBARI’s large library, is central to FathomVerse. These photos provide the foundation for training artificial intelligence (AI) models to recognize numerous marine creatures and objects, resulting in more accurate data analysis and study.
Gameplay: dive into the ocean’s wonders
FathomVerse takes players on an immersive voyage to discover the marvels of the ocean using compelling gameplay mechanics. Mini-games allow players to interact with genuine underwater photographs, identify ocean critters, and learn about various marine species. Additionally, gamers can construct personal galleries, acquire achievements, and explore new imagery gathered by academics.
Ocean Vision AI transforms ocean research
FathomVerse is part of the Ocean Vision AI program, which is directed by Kakani Katija and aims to make AI and ocean science more accessible and influential. Along with FathomVerse, the program has created FathomNet, a key resource for training AI models, and will shortly launch the Portal, an online collaborative tool for AI-assisted ocean image processing.
Collaborative effort and future advances
FathomVerse has received funding from several organizations, including the US National Science Foundation’s Convergence Accelerator, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and Schmidt Marine Technology Partners. This collaborative initiative emphasizes the need to involve the entire global community in the critical mission of studying and safeguarding our oceans for generations to come.FathomVerse, ocean exploration, mobile game, AI training, underwater imagery, marine species, gaming and science, FathomNet, Ocean Vision AI, scientific research, collaborative effort, marine conservation.
