A new branch of methods of science research has emerged. The video game is being utilized heavily in gathering an abundance of data for various researches. It is the mass exposure that appeals to many scientists for gathering long term data. There are so many video gamers that it allows these research endeavors to acquire the magnitude of participation the study truly needs. The game Foldit is developed by the University of Washington’s Center for Game Science. This scientific game utilizes the puzzle solving skills of humans to search for the best possible protein combinations. This field utilizes computers to predict protein combinations. Foldit offers new prediction algorithms and protein combinations discovered by the players of the game.

Players are given disarranged proteins and they have to fold the various amino acids in the closest to perfect combination to earn a certain score to beat a level. Players are giving various abilities and items to use to solve the puzzle such as shake, wiggle, and rubber bands. Shake shakes the amino acids of the protean to find the best working arrangement. Wiggle moves the backbone to the best working arrangement. Rubber bands can tie together to objects so that when you shake or wiggle the protein those two objects will attract each other. The rubber band is useful when trying to form hydrogen bonds. Players can also play against others online in a competitive way to find the best proteins and create data for the scientists.

For the player, the game simply feels like a three-dimensional puzzle solving game. Just like any other puzzle solving game, Foldit players begin to realize various patterns of techniques in solving puzzles more efficiently. One typical technique is wiggling before shaking, moving the backbone before you move the amino acids. But this is the data that is being collected. It is used to create new algorithms for predicting the best combination, as well as discovering new protein combinations. The prediction algorithms aid computers in predicting effective proteins more efficiently. Players are also able to discover effective protein combinations that can be used to benefit human health.

I found that the game was initially quite interesting. The pay style was straightforward and the competitive aspect of the game via online added another layer to the game beyond the offline mode. However, I did begin to get bored with the game. I found myself gradually disliking to play the game as it slowly felt more like a chore. It would also get irritating how precise you have to be to find a combination to beat the level. A little move of one amino branch would cost -5 points, yet you still need 6 points to beat the level. Overall, the game is enjoyable for short periods. And it is a very effective research technique that I believe many more branches of science should utilize. Video game sites and stores should one day have a ‘citizen science’ section.