Independent video game company Stormtide has moved to Plymouth Science Park’s 25 acre site at Derriford, which hosts some of the country’s premier science and technology businesses.
Success for start-ups on site is at 95 per cent which offers facilities including ultra-fast broadband, networking opportunities, a café and ‘breakout’ areas where people can meet to exchange ideas.
The independent video game company is the brains behind Satellite Command, which uses real data from NASA to combine realistic graphics and physics simulation.
“The game has a real astrophysics simulation hidden behind gamification, designed to make astrophysics an approachable subject for a wide audience,” says Stormtide founder and CEO James Baxter.
“Satellite Command takes you into orbit around Earth as you use your very own Space Agency to learn more about the planet and the Solar System.”
The game has been developed internally with input from top space-industry experts.
“The idea behind the game is for you to start in orbit with one satellite and you build up your agency to become bigger and bigger,” explains Baxter.
“The mission is based on real data showing Earth and Deep Space phenomena. It was shown at one of the biggest gaming events of 2016 and received rapturous applause.
“It’s since been played by thousands of people from around the world.”
The games’ on-screen simulations are designed to make astrophysics an approachable subject for a wide audience from school children to university students to adults wanting to explore Deep Space.
Plymouth Science Park is part-funded by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) through their Growth Deal with Government and houses the largest concentration of businesses in the South West.