June 15, 2020
Beyond Blue is a new video game launched by E-Line Media in conjunction with the BBC and the researchers behind its Blue Planet II series, that takes players into the near future to explore the mysteries of our ocean.
The game allows players to become a part of a newly-formed research team using groundbreaking technologies to see, hear, and interact with the ocean in a more meaningful way than has ever been attempted. ECOGIG Director and University of Georgia Regents’ Professor Samantha Joye, who participated in the Blue Planet II documentary series, served as a consultant on the new video game.
“Beyond Blue is more than a video game. It's an immersive tour through a fascinating and magical world that will leave you wanting to know more -- and to do more,” Joye said. “The game will motivate all players to learn more about the ocean and for some, playing will inspire engagement in ocean advocacy. Surely some players will be motivated to pursue a career in ocean science.”
Beyond Blue presents players the opportunity to explore the mysteries of our ocean through the eyes of Mirai, a deep-sea explorer and scientist, as she takes a deep dive with her research team to learn more about our vibrant and otherworldly underwater environments. The game features an evocative narrative and exploration of an untouched world.
The exploration designed to showcase the intrigue and mystery of our oceans comes from E-Line Media, which also published Never Alone, (Kisima Ingitchuna), a game that introduced players to little-known tales of native Alaskan culture. And while the effects of pollution and climate change are the theme, the E-Line team doesn’t want to go on a “soapbox,” says E-Line executive Steve Zimmerman. “We want people to start thinking about the world beyond what they see,” he says. “We know more about the surface of Mars that we do our oceans.”
Embracing the same inclusive development process that was used to create Never Alone, the company partnered with BBC Studios (developers of the acclaimed Blue Planet II), OceanX Media, world-class game makers, and some of science’s leading ocean experts to craft an experience that reflects the awesome wonder and unbounded mystery that infuses our planet’s beating blue heart.
- Exploration and adventure within an untouched world
- A captivating and entertaining soundtrack featuring an original score and music from Miles Davis, The Flaming Lips, The Edisons, and more
- Sixteen unique mini-documentaries called Ocean Insights that feature original footage and interviews with science’s leading ocean experts
“Working with the E-Line team to ideate gaming scenarios and imagine futuristic ocean science technologies was an incredible and rewarding experience,” Joye said. “And this is only the beginning - Mirai and her team have a lot more exploring to do!”
Beyond Blue launched June 11 for multiple platforms including PS4 and XBox. A trailer for the game is available at https://youtu.be/pOAWBCXpo6k
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A version of this article originally appeared online here, written by Maggie Dannreuther at GoMRI
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