University of Miami marine biologists have partnered with a mobile game development company to launch a new music trivia game for mobile devices that tests the music knowledge of players while promoting and supporting marine conservation efforts. Developed by Good World Games Inc., in partnership with UM’s R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Musingo is a free app ready for download from iTunes for iPhones and iPads.
“Our goal is to bring marine conservation to the masses,” said Neil Hammerschlag, director of the R.J. Dunlap Program, who approached the gaming company dedicated to “Gaming for Good” about creating an app that would appeal to just about anyone while supporting marine research and education. “People are going to play Musingo because it’s fun. The conservation messaging is subtle.”
To play the addictive music trivia game with a bingo twist, Musingo players identify songs of different genres—including top 40s, indie, 60s throwback, Latino, country, and much more—as quickly as they can. The faster they get it right, the faster they move up to the next level—and learn about protecting the oceans. In between levels, they are shown a variety of ocean science and conservation facts written by UM marine biologists.
Immediately following its November launch, Musingo surged to the Top of the App Store Music Game Charts, ranking in the top 4 in the U.S. and top 3 in Canada.
“Good World Games is all about gaming for good,” said Good World Games founder and CEO Gregory Sukornyk. “We are excited about this opportunity to help protect our oceans.”
Though Musingo is available for free in the App Store at http://bit.ly/18ILTnF, there are opportunities for in-game purchases of additional game tokens, as well as the opportunity to buy the songs players hear from iTunes. Fifty percent of the profits will support the mission of the R.J. Dunlap program, which is a joint initiative of UM’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy. So get on your dancing shoes and check out Musingo!
