Being able to play and make a difference at the same time. That’s something everyone wants, right? The developers of EVE Online have now given their players the opportunity to do just that and let them contribute to the fight against Covid. We at MeinMMO summarize.
What has happened in EVE Online? The MMORPG EVE Online has been running a project called Project Discovery since June 2020, which is now entering its third phase. Players can register and then analyze blood samples in a kind of mini-game.
The project was initiated by the Swiss company Massively Multiplayer Online Science, which works to connect video games with science. The developers behind EVE Online have agreed to participate as long as it fits thematically into their game.
The scientific leader of the project is Dr. Andrea Cossarizza, a professor of Immunology at the University of Caille. He was encouraged to join Project Discovery and therefore welcomes the pilots in the game when they enter the project and explains to them what it is about.
Furthermore, McGill University in Quebec and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy are involved in the project.
Mini-Games Against Covid-19
How does Project Discovery work? EVE players are known for their passion, commitment, and willingness to think through rather complex systems. Project Discovery cleverly leverages this and integrates the mini-game, which you can access via the DNS button in the menu once the tutorial is completed.
Afterward, you analyze blood samples from COVID-19 patients and must find specific patterns that do not fit the expected picture. As many players as possible are presented with the same blood sample to achieve a better overall result.
The scientists behind Dr. Cossarizza want to find out what effects a Covid infection has on a person’s immune system. In addition, Project Discovery helps to train artificial intelligence to perform these analysis tasks better in the future.
To date, approximately 426,000 players have participated in the mini-game and completed 1.8 million analysis tasks, according to their own statements. A remarkable achievement.
What do the players get out of it? Everyone who participates in Project Discovery receives an exclusive biosecurity skin for their clothing and character. There is nothing more for now, but that is also all that is needed.
The mini-game attracts numerous participants who enjoy a new mechanic in EVE and take part because it is fun for them. Doing something good while getting a skin is enough incentive for many players.
Plex for a Good Cause
What is Plex? Plex is the currency in EVE Online that can be bought with real money, but can also be sold in the game. It thus forms the bridge between Free2Play players and those who spend money on EVE.
Plex can also be used to upgrade your account to Omega clone status. A kind of optional subscription system that provides you with benefits. Plex can therefore be converted directly into real money.
What is Plex for a good cause? Alongside Project Discovery, the initiative Plex for a good cause was running. During this, EVE players could donate their Plex, which then went directly to the WHO and the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
During this event, the EVE community managed to raise a total of $135,550 entirely in donated Plex, without any reciprocation. This already showed that players want to help and engage. Project Discovery was overwhelmingly supported within the community.
What do you think of the initiative? Do you play EVE Online and have you participated in Project Discovery? Do you think more games should start such initiatives? Or do you find it all rather pointless? Feel free to let us know in the comments here at MeinMMO.
It is not the first time that a video game has helped to understand COVID: Researchers explain how a plague in WoW helps them understand Corona now.
