Game Design & Learning

“In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is.” - Yogi Berra

Imagine the Earth with a twin. Not a sci-fi planet in another galaxy, but a digital double built with satellites, sensors, and supercomputers. This twin could simulate floods before they happen, test how cities handle heatwaves, and reveal the carbon cost of our infrastructure.That is the promise of a digital twin of Earth. A living model that updates in real time, letting us test the future without breaking the present. And the race to build it is already underway.

Walking paths may seem simple, but they’re one of the most loved features in parks. They boost health, lift your mood, and now even come with digital scavenger hunts that make every step more fun.

I’m talking about the strange power of well-designed games. They don’t just tell you something’s important. They make you feel it. Every time I try a Geo AR game, I find myself pulled into a story before I even realise I’m learning anything. One minute I’m getting chased by a dinosaur or looking for the next clue, and the next, I’m caring about something I’d barely thought about before.

“What’s the Plan Stan” is an augmented reality educational game by Geo AR Games that teaches children aged 6–12 how to respond to natural disasters like storms, earthquakes, and floods. Developed in partnership with New Zealand’s civil defence agencies, the game uses interactive 3D scenarios to engage students in emergency preparedness through fun, movement, and gamified learning.