News Release

Entertainment Software Association Foundation awards grant to FAS for immune attack

Grant and Award Announcement

Federation of American Scientists

WASHINGTON DC – The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) will reach new levels with Immune Attack TM – the first biologically accurate immunology video game –through a generous grant awarded by the ESA Foundation (ESAF). This bold and fun game is available for download at http://fas.org/immuneattack.

"We expect to release the next version of Immune Attack in February 2009," said Melanie Stegman, project manager for the FAS Learning Technologies Program. "We're interested in learning how the game can best serve our audience. We will be evaluating the game with students and teachers to ensure our game is engaging, easy to get started and used widely. ESAF funds will enable us to address these issues. Additionally, we'll release a Spanish language version in late 2009."

The cutting-edge game is designed to teach how the immune system works to defend the body against invading bacteria. Immune Attack is a complement to the learning that happens in the classroom. The visual elements and simulations are critical for grasping the complex interactions of the biological systems. The game allows students to use sights, sounds, and touch to get better acquainted with the immune system.

"We are pleased to help these organizations address such critical social issues," said Michael Gallagher, president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, which represents U.S. computer and video game publishers. "The creativity and commitment of these recipients gives us a glimpse into the countless ways technology, including video games, can be used to improve the quality of life of our young people."

FAS is researching and developing ways to produce complex games and 3-D interactive simulations that will one day revolutionize education and how people learn. These learning games help students and workers learn globally competitive skills in demand by employers.

"FAS provides Immune Attack to teachers and students across the U.S.," said Michelle Lucey-Roper, director of the Learning Technologies Program. "FAS will use this grant to improve the game design for learning and encourage students to consider careers in bioscience, medicine and other health care professions."

FAS's interest in games emerged from research that shows advanced learning technologies, such as video games and computer simulations, can help address one of the nation's most pressing needs -- strengthening education and preparing workers for 21st century jobs.

Immune Attack builds on insights from FAS's Learning Science and Technology Research and Development Roadmap, the FAS report "Harnessing the Power of Video Games for Learning", and the Digital Opportunity Investment Trust (DO IT) -- a proposal to transform learning and training for the 21st century. These recommendations led to the authorization of the National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies.

FAS launched the prototype of Immune Attack in May 2008. Immune Attack was created by FAS in collaboration with teams of game developers, instructional designers, immunologists, teachers, and learning scientists including Brown University, the University of Southern California, and Escape Hatch Entertainment.

The ESA Foundation awarded nine different organizations $1 million in grants. The financial awards are intended to support the chosen organizations in developing youth-focused programs for education, health and safety.

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Please visit http://fas.org/immuneattack/ to sign up for updates or to download the game.

NOTE TO REPORTERS – Interviews are available upon request. To schedule an interview or photo opportunity with FAS President Henry Kelly, Michelle Roper or Melanie Stegman, please contact Monica Amarelo at mamarelo@fas.org or (202) 454-4680.

About the Federation of American Scientists

The Federation of American Scientists (www.fas.org) was formed in 1945 by atomic scientists from the Manhattan Project. Endorsed by 70 Nobel Laureates in biology, chemistry, economics, medicine and physics as sponsors, FAS addresses a broad spectrum of national security issues in carrying out its mission to promote humanitarian uses of science and technology. Today, FAS projects study nuclear arms control and global security; conventional arms transfers; proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; information technology for human health; and government information policy. The FAS Building Technology Project combines the talents of engineers and energy specialists to develop new materials and design methods that will lead to safe, energy-efficient, affordable homes in the U.S. and abroad. The FAS Learning Technologies Program works on strategies to harness the potential of emerging information technologies to improve how we teach and learn.

The ESA Foundation was created by the American interactive entertainment software industry to support and provide opportunities that can make a difference in the lives of America's youth. The Foundation is fully supported by proceeds from its limited edition charity game pack's sales and "A Nite to Unite – for Kids," its annual fundraiser, which has raised more than $11 million in the last 10 years. For more information about the ESA Foundation, please visit www.theESA.com/foundation.


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