WolfQuest

WolfQuest is a 3D wildlife simulation video game by the Minnesota Zoo and game developer company Eduweb. The game was first released as a demo on 31 October 2007 as a free downloadable game for Macintosh and Windows computers. The official deluxe version was released on 5 February 2008.

Development

WolfQuest is being developed as a realistic, wildlife eco-friendly game where the target audience are the younger age groups. The specific age range is children and teenagers aged 9 to 13, although there is a very wide age range. The game is being planned as a four part episode series. Currently, development of episode 1 is complete and the remaining three episodes are put on hold due to budget issues.

One of the game's partner site is the International Wolf Center and one of the advisor on wolf behavior is research scientist L. David Mech.

NSF Grant

On September 2006, The National Science Foundation has awarded the Minnesota Zoo and Eduweb a USD$508,253 informal education grant to develop WolfQuest. This makes it the first video game funded by the National Science Foundation, under grant number 0610427.

Gameplay

Gameplay is divided into single player and multiplayer. In single player, the player must survive as a dispersal grey wolf in Yellowstone National Park. To do so they must feed off elk carcasses and hares, and avoid dangers from grizzly bears and the elk themselves. They have the option to find a mate, which, when successful, will follow and aid the player throughout the rest of the game.

In multiplayer, the objectives are the same with two exceptions. The player co-operates with a maximum of 5 wolves including the player and they can have no mate.

Gameplay is expected to change as the game develops and more episodes are released.