Drones and Droids is a table-top game that has been developed by researchers from the Scientific Robotics Academy in Oban, Scotland, operated by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS). SAMS has launched a Crowdfunder to raise £16,000 to fund the first production run of the game, which can be used as a science outreach tool for STEM and afterschool clubs, as well as a creative, fun, and rewarding challenge for table-top gamers.

The game’s objective is to solve a harmful algal bloom problem.

Drones and Droids is the brainchild of the SAMS robotics engineer Dr. Phil Peterson, who developed the game as a teaching aid for schools. It caught the attention of gamers, who encouraged him to make it available to play more widely.

All profits from sales of the game will be used to fund the real marine robots developed and deployed by SAMS.

Thanks to National Lottery players, Creative Scotland via its Crowdmatch initiative will match donations £1 for £1 up to £250 for a limited time to boost the impact of pledges.

Visit the Crowdfunder page here.