Alternate universes in Science Centre gaming adventure

Peer into alternate universes without leaving the Ontario Science Centre when Terracosm, a mixed-reality, mobile gaming adventure, officially launches on October 29, 2016. Created by Toronto’s Digital Howard, Terracosm invites players to travel virtually to alternate universes to complete four unique missions, using just their smartphone or tablet – all while learning about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The goal of Terracosm is to bring its players to their local science centre to solve intergalactic problems, and the Ontario Science Centre is the first in the world to beta test the experience.

“The rich virtual world of Terracosm provides a powerful context for learning and is an incredible medium to engage our young visitors in science and technology,” said Maurice Bitran, CEO, Ontario Science Centre. “Partnering with Digital Howard allows us to offer our visitors the unique opportunity to experience, test and provide valuable feedback on the game, thereby shaping Terracosm before it is released at other science centres and museums. It also allows us to highlight and support homegrown creativity and innovation in mobile app gaming.”

Terracosm is an app-based mobile game for Android and iOS devices, propelled by a comic book style narrative, where the differing laws of science in neighbouring alternate universes are starting to have a serious impact here on Earth. Players locate portals around the Ontario Science Centre (augmented and virtual reality triggers in the form of large colourful floor graphics), which allow them to virtually access these alternate universes and play 3D mixed (augmented and virtual) reality mini-games and complete missions, each of which has been built around a fundamental STEM concept.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Ontario Science Centre as the flagship science centre to bring the Terracosm experience to life,” said Jarrett Sherman, President, Digital Howard. “Using these incredible new technologies, players will be able to peer into imagined universes, fly through their landscapes, interact with their inhabitants, escape perilously close calls, and even play with particles at the molecular level, all without ever leaving the science centre in which they are playing the game.”

Designed as a turnkey installation to complement existing offerings at science centres, Terracosm is an exciting gaming adventure designed to foster an interest and fascination in STEM subject matter in kids aged 6-11. The project is financed with the financial participation of the Canada Media Fund’s Experimental Stream program and the Ontario Media Development Corporation’s OIDMTC tax credit.

Terracosm is a free app that can be downloaded at Google Play and App Store. The Terracosm experience is included with general admission to the Ontario Science Centre. For more information about Terracosm, please visit www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca/Calendar/323/.

The Ontario Science Centre has welcomed more than 50 million visitors since it opened in 1969, implementing an interactive approach now adopted by science centres around the world. Today, the Science Centre is an international leader in free-choice science learning and a key contributor to Ontario’s education and innovation ecosystems, offering lifelong learning through hands-on, engaging experiences. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. As a publicly assisted organization, the Science Centre relies on generous individuals, corporations and foundations who share a commitment to science and education for additional operating support. For more information about the Ontario Science Centre, please visit www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

Digital Howard is a Toronto-based digital entertainment company creating and producing extraordinary interactive entertainment experiences. With a focus on story, user experience and technology we challenge old paradigms through new models for the development, financing, production and deployment of 360 entertainment. Leveraging strong relationships with film and television producers, broadcasters and brands, we transform existing and original IP into digital experiences that engage and captivate audiences. Digital Howard is led by award-winning creators and producers Daniel Dales and Jarrett Sherman. Terracosm was created by Daniel Dales, Jarrett Sherman and Matthew Wexler.  For more information about Digital Howard, please visit www.DigitalHoward.com.

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