Axon is a game set inside a foetal brain, modelling real biological phenomena found in neural development.
The game challenges players to grow their neuron as long as possible; climbing through brain tissue, outcompeting rival neurons and creating as many connections to distant regions of the brain as they can.
Taking the anatomy of the brain as a starting point, and a video showing the microscopic growth of neurons in a chicken’s brain, the PRELOADED team combined scientific and game design expertise to create a challenging, enjoyable game that has its roots in real science. A concise explanation of the science behind the game, the video, and links to Wikipedia articles on neuroanatomy are included, as part of a holistic, scientific approach to casual gaming.
We worked closely with the exhibition curator Marius Kwint and neuroscientist Richard Wingate as well as the Wellcome Collection digital team to ensure the science learnings were fully embraced and embedded in the core of the game.
PRELOADED combined scientific and game design expertise to create a challenging, enjoyable game that has its roots in real science.