Intel Develops Google Earth Mini-Game

A team from the Intel development team, who were part of a group exploring future PC gaming modes, are now dedicated to developing a game entirely based on the popular online mapping software, Google Earth. This experimental mini-game is called "Mars Sucks."

Previously, there have been a few games like "Earthcontest" and "Find Skull Island," but they all required constant switching between the browser window and Google Earth. Intel's mini-game can be completed entirely within the Google Earth window, fully written in Google Earth's KML language. The concept of the game is very simple: aliens from Mars invade Earth, abducting people around the globe for experiments aboard their ships. We intercept one of their ships and begin decoding their ciphers to drive the aliens out. These ciphers are small questions about geographical knowledge, making this game suitable for geography teachers to use as homework in an entertaining educational way. The game also allows teachers to create their own game clues.