Game-Like Environments for Nuclear Engineering Education Using GECK

Proceedings of the 1st International Nuclear and Renewable Energy Conference (INREC10), Amman, Jordan, March 21-24, 2010 Game-Like Environments for Nuclear Engineering Education using GECK Carl Rytych, Lewis Conley, Hsingtzu Wu, Rizwan-uddin Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801 USA [email protected] game engines have different desirable features, GECK, for example, has built-in dosimeter feature. Another game engine, ABSTRACT Unreal Engine III, also is being used to develop training models, Computer games have an enormous potential to grab the and the results are reported in an accompanying paper [6]. In this undivided attention of kids ranging from 13 to 23 years of age. paper, we report a virtual reactor scenario developed using the This paper explores a new game engine called Garden of Eden GECK. Several levels have been built in this scenario. A player Creation Kit (GECK) to enhance teaching and content retention of gains knowledge as well as wins points as he or she goes through some concepts in nuclear reactor engineering. Game engine these levels step by step. technology commonly used to develop computer and video games can be used to model and simulate 3-D interactive educational 2. DEVELOPMENTAL PLATFORMS games with the help of custom-made packages and/or using well- known programming language. Specifically, some of the built-in The GECK comes with the PC version of the game, Fallout 3, features of the game engine are exploited to boost interactivity. which was developed by Bethesda Game Studios and came out in The developed game reported here is aimed at providing October 2008 [7]. The GECK allows the user to make new levels supplemental teaching at the freshman level. With this technology, and fill them with items and scenarios. There are three main students can “play” and learn some basic concepts in nuclear sections of this editor: Cell View, Render Window, and Object reactor engineering through these specifically developed Window. A game developer can choose a cell or a level to work interactive and 3-D graphical models and scenarios. on in “Cell View”. The “Render Window” shows the cell currently loaded in a full three dimensional view, and the “Object 1. INTRODUCTION Window” is a list of all the objects that are available to be placed into the render window. Figure 1 is a screenshot of this game For kids growing up with unprecedented level of interactivity, editor’s windows showing the model of an imaginary reactor. passive mode of learning is becoming increasingly boring and difficult to relate. Recognizing the fact that teenagers can play computer and video games for hours without taking a break, educators are increasingly looking at the potential these games and game-like-environments hold for educational purposes. Coupled with the relative ease with which these games can now be developed, several groups are now exploring the potential of computer/video games for educational and training needs. While much of the early work is driven by training needs in the armed forces, even the Department of Education is exploring these tools [1, 2] for middle and high school age children. In addition, from Department of Defense to Department of Education, numerous groups are exploring ideas to build computer and video games that either teach overtly, or stealthily in otherwise fun-only games. Department of Nuclear, Plasma and Radiological Engineering Figure 1. A screenshot of the GECK’s windows. (NPRE) at University of Illinois has been exploring games and game engines for educational and training needs in the nuclear The game developer starts by selecting a cell to work on, and industry [3-5]. 3D game-like computer models of facilities have loading it. Using the object window, the designer is able to search been developed. These are being explored for their utility in for objects, such as a chair, select one, , and drag it into the render training personnel at power plants and for demonstration window. In the render window the designer can move the object purposed. With this experience, a game engine called the Garden around, rotate it, or scale it, and then place it where needed. Other of Eden Creation Kit (GECK) was selected as a platform to objects that can be placed in this same way are lighting, hallways explore the feasibility of application of nuclear education. The and room walls. If an object is not available in the object window, GECK is a three dimensional, game-like environment which can the designer can import objects made in a 3D modeling software. be developed with sophisticated details of expansive floor plans In addition to having a static interface, the GECK also has a and interactivity between players and models. Note that different programming flexibility to support several advanced features. INREC10-1 Proceedings of the 1st International Nuclear and Renewable Energy Conference (INREC10), Amman, Jordan, March 21-24, 2010 Some of these, which are directly relevant to nuclear education related applications, are described below. 3. FEATURES Compared to other commonly used 3-D model development software, the GECK engine has several advantages in showing active scenarios. This engine is capable of mixing sound, graphics and physics (interactions, motion) all under one platform to create a realistic feeling. This section is divided into three sub-sections to introduce: features which come with the game; features that require the manipulation of the games elements by the designer; and features created by the designer through the use of Script. 3.1. Features that are available in the game Figure 3. A fire with sprinklers putting it out in a reactor model. 3.1.1. Radiation 3.1.3. Computers Radiation is a very useful feature for nuclear education. A A player has yet another feature in the form of interactive dosimeter feature in the game records how many “rads” the player computers that can be used to show messages, trigger scripts to has absorbed from being near radioactive material. Also shown is run, or even ask questions. Figure 4 shows security information on a meter showing the dose rate, in “rads/sec”. This feature allows a computer in the game. There is also a message display system the easy implantation of radioactive material in any scenario. that can pop up messages when triggered. These can contain lines Figure 2 shows the radiation displays in the game. of text or have multiple choice questions. Subsequent evolution of the game depends upon the answer selected by the player. This feature is very useful in posing multiple-choice questions. Figure 5 shows a message about fire emergency. Figure 2. Radiation displays in GECK. 3.1.2. Image Space and Effects Figure 4. A computer terminal in the game showing security There are many special effects that can be implemented in the information. game such as fire, falling water, and explosions that all can provide a sense of realism in the game. They can be easily scripted to occur. Other special effects include the ability to change the “image space” which can cause blur, tunnel vision and many other visual effects. An example of image space and effects is shown in Figure 3. INREC10-2 Proceedings of the 1st International Nuclear and Renewable Energy Conference (INREC10), Amman, Jordan, March 21-24, 2010 3.2.2. Dialogue Fallout 3 has the ability to allow full “conversations” with non- player characters (NPCs). The player can walk up to a NPC, and engage in a dialogue with them. The NPC can be made to converse. Through use of the GECK dialogue editor, the developer can make large branching dialogue trees with choices. The choices can be made such that certain choices call for different responses from the NPC. The developer can also import voiceovers and assign corresponding lip movement. Hence, instead of simple text, the NPC can have a spoken voice with vivid lip-syncing as well. Figure 7 is a screenshot of one of a NPC talking to a player. Figure 5. A message about fire emergency. 3.1.4. Inventory The game engine allows the player to keep track of the inventory in his backpack. This might include keys, weaponry, healing items, and other assorted gear. Figure 6 is an image of inventory system in this game. Figure 7. Conversation with a NPC in the game. 3.2.3. In-game Movies Another useful feature in Fallout 3 is display of movies. Any video that is in the Bink (.bik) format can be played in the game as a full screen video. The Bink format is a common video game format with a converter available online from RAD game tools. This can be used to show information in a different manner allowing for a change of pace in the game. Figure 6. An image of the inventory system in the game. 3.2.4. Quest 3.1.5. Physics Possibly the broadest feature that the GECK offers is the quest One significant advantage of Fallout 3 over older video game system. With this, the user is able to create a scenario that the formats is the games’ “physics engine”. The player can pick up, player can follow. The quest can be as simple as travel to point B for example, a ball, carry it and drop it down a hill. The ball will or as complex as a way to teach someone how to perform a task roll down the hill and interact with the scenery. This can be used through examples, lectures, or videos. With this the player has a for many purposes. If the player kicks a ball and it goes into a goal to accomplish and a reason to play.

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