Handy Vandal's Almanac

Local heroes make good:

I don’t know these guys, but I smiled to read the story of their success. And I love the name “Awesome Town” — now there’s a great name for a game! Best of all, Awesome Town has laudable goals for the betterment of mankind. Check it out:

Engineering students Travis Sein and Ryan Scott recently showcased skills they’ve gained in Arizona State University’s computer gaming program in the finals of the national Microsoft Imagine Cup challenge in Washington, D.C.

… Microsoft, one of the world’s major computer technology corporations, gave students the task of developing games that demonstrate technological innovation and convey messages about making a positive difference in the world.

… Sein and Scott competed against teams from Yale University, the University of Southern California and the University of Houston, among others.

Their game, called Awesome Town, reflected the Millennium Goals themes of global partnerships and resource management.

In the game, players face the potential end of human civilization. After the Earth has been harvested dry, there is a last-ditch effort to save humanity. Several individuals are sent on space shuttles on a mission to colonize a distant planet capable of sustaining life.

… Sein and Scott say they hope the game teaches players how to work together, and how to work with nature, in efforts to develop technologically and socially sustainable societies.

- Arizona State University News by Krista Flewelling and Jessica Graham

Big thumbs up to Travis and Ryan — congrats on your accomplishments and the due recognition, and keep on rockin’ in the game world!