Summary
- 4.5 million gamers advanced microbial research by playing a minigame in Borderlands 3.
- The study shows significant potential for collaboration between gaming and scientific research.
- Borderlands Science provides valuable data for understanding microbial interactions in the human body.
A recent study has underscored a groundbreaking achievement, showing that 4.5 million gamers worldwide have significantly advanced microbial evolutionary research by playing a minigame within Borderlands 3. In a collaborative effort between academic researchers, a gaming development company, and Borderlands 3 players, the tremendous potential of gaming and scientific endeavors has been demonstrated.
Borderlands 3 is a first-person shooter video game developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games, marking the fourth main entry in the Borderlands series. Players engage in battles against diverse enemies, undertake quests, and scavenge for weapons and gear. The game distinguishes itself with a distinctive cel-shaded art style, playful humor, and cooperative multiplayer functionality that accommodates up to four players, both online and locally. Beyond its entertainment value, Borderlands 3 has recently contributed significantly to advancing medical studies.
How Does Borderlands Science Collect Valuable Data?
The study was published in Nature Biotechnology and led by researchers from McGill University. It aimed to explore the feasibility and impact of engaging gamers in scientific research through a minigame called Borderlands Science. The minigame, embedded within Borderlands 3, challenges players to solve puzzles that contribute to mapping the human gut microbiome. By aligning colored blocks in the game, players generate crucial data for understanding microbial communities' functions within the human body. The study will “substantially advance our knowledge of the microbiome and improve on the AI programs that will be used to carry out this work in the future,” said McGill in a press release.
The study is a collaboration between McGill University researchers, Gearbox Entertainment Company, Massively Multiplayer Online Science, and the Microsetta Initiative. Jérôme Waldispühl, an associate professor at McGill, and a key figure in the study, expressed surprise and excitement at the results obtained through Borderlands Science. The rapid generation of five times more microbial DNA sequence data compared to previous efforts showcases the immense potential of leveraging gaming communities for scientific discovery.
Attila Szantner, CEO of MMOS, emphasized the importance of utilizing the vast amount of time and brainpower gamers invest in playing amusing video games like Borderlands 3. Borderlands Science exemplifies how such engagement can translate into tangible contributions to scientific knowledge. Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox, praised Borderlands Science as one of the most significant citizen science projects, highlighting its ability to harness the collective intelligence of millions of gamers worldwide. The success of Borderlands Science not only drives scientific progress but also challenges misconceptions about the impact and potential of video games.
While it is not clear yet if Borderlands Science will be featured in Borderlands 4, it might be an incentive for developers given how the data generated through the minigame provides a more precise understanding of microbial interactions. This collaborative effort is paving the way for insights into human health, aging, and various diseases associated with microbial imbalances, thereby opening new avenues for addressing global challenges through collective efforts that include the gaming community.
Borderlands 3
- Released
- September 13, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and an all-new mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four brand new Vault Hunters – the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands, each with deep skill trees, abilities, and customization. Play solo or join with friends to take on insane enemies, score loads of loot and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.
A MAYHEM-FUELED THRILL RIDE
Stop the fanatical Calypso Twins from uniting the bandit clans and claiming the galaxy’s ultimate power. Only you, a thrill-seeking Vault Hunter, have the arsenal and allies to take them down.
YOUR VAULT HUNTER, YOUR PLAYSTYLE
Become one of four extraordinary Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities, playstyles, deep skill trees, and tons of personalization options. All Vault Hunters are capable of awesome mayhem alone, but together they are unstoppable.
LOCK, LOAD, AND LOOT
With bazillions of guns and gadgets, every fight is an opportunity to score new gear. Firearms with self-propelling bullet shields? Check. Rifles that spawn fire-spewing volcanoes? Obviously. Guns that grow legs and chase down enemies while hurling verbal insults? Yeah, got that too.
NEW BORDERLANDS
Discover new worlds beyond Pandora, each featuring unique environments to explore and enemies to destroy. Tear through hostile deserts, battle your way across war-torn cityscapes, navigate deadly bayous, and more! QUICK & SEAMLESS CO-OP ACTION
Play with anyone at any time online or in split-screen co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone – no one misses out on loot.
- Developer(s)
- Gearbox Software
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Franchise
- Borderlands
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
