MaRDIStation

From MaRDI portal

What is the MaRDI Station?

MaRDI Station is a video game that offers a playful and educational introduction to research data management in mathematics. The interactive exhibit is available in three open-source versions, each tailored to a specific audience:

  1. A single-player online adventure set in the library of the mathematical institute in Oberwolfach, designed for mathematicians encountering mathematical datasets for the first time.
  2. A multiplayer game set on a university campus, aimed at mathematicians facing research data challenges.
  3. A multiplayer game for the general public that explores the concept of data freedom.

Despite their differences, all three versions share a common goal: helping players understand the role of mathematical research data, explore topics in Open Science, and complete quests related to FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) data practices. By stepping into the roles of researchers, players learn how to share information, apply FAIR principles, and engage with services like the MaRDI helpdesk.

All versions are openly available under the MIT License.

Three setup versions

1. 1-Player: A simple online version for one player. The game is playable via your internet browser.

2. 3-Player Mobile Version: A mobile version for up to three players. This version includes 3 tablets and a projected map. Within this setup, you can load all available multiplayer versions of the game.

The mobile version of the game "Citizen Quest". Image credit: Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation

3. 3-Player Exhibition Version: A version with exhibition furniture for up to three players. This version includes a setup with three player stations and a projected map. Within this setup, you can load all available multiplayer versions of the game.

Content variations

Next to the different game setups, there are also various contents of the game available.

Single-player version:

A. “Data ♥️ Quest”.

This is a one-player game, first created for Love Data Week 2024. The game is set at a math conference, where players can interact with different mathematicians. The goal is to find out about their kind of mathematical research data and complete their quests. The storylines focus on different types of research data in mathematics, Open Science, and introduce the MaRDI helpdesk. A GitHub repository is available here.

→ Target audience: Mathematicians who want to familiarize themselves with research data topics.


Multiplayer versions:

B. “MaRDI Station: Data Quest”.

This version focuses on FAIR research data in mathematics and the services provided by MaRDI. The game is set in a small city/university environment and unfolds through multiple storylines, each posing a nuanced dilemma based on real-world issues related to mathematical research data. Players take on the roles of researchers who, through conversation and simple actions, can promote information sharing, encourage the use of FAIR data, and contribute to developing tools that support FAIR research practices.

This version was part of Love Data Week 2025 at the MPI in Magdeburg. A GitHub repository is available here.

→ Target audience: Mathematicians who want to familiarize themselves with research data topics.


C. “Citizen Quest: Together for a freer world”.

A collaborative multiplayer game for up to three players. Players navigate a city environment, where citizens face dilemmas and issues related to mathematical research data and various other facets of freedom. The adventure begins aboard a mathematical ship docked in the city’s university quarter. Here, pioneers of academic freedom advocate for FAIR research data. Players interact with various researchers, who help them solve quests related to the FAIR data principles. A GitHub repository is available here.

→ This version is suitable for a general audience; no (professional) mathematical knowledge is needed.

1-Player 3-Player Mobile 3-Player Exhibition
Data ♥️ Quest
MaRDI Station: Data Quest
Citizen Quest: Together

for a freer world

Since the game engine is open source, you can also create your own adventure with stories on any topic you like, set in a world of your choice.

Other available versions

IMAGINARY, a non-profit organization for the communication of modern mathematics, is a member of MaRDI and collaborated with other members to create the MaRDI Station. Other versions of the game have also been created for a general, non-mathematical audience:

"Citizen Quest: Digital Democracy” is a 3-player version about decision-making processes in a virtual city. It was first created for Futurium in Berlin. A GitHub repository is available here. The 3-player game “Citizen Quest: Editorial Society” revolves around the topics of media and news literacy and was initially created for ZEIT Stiftung/Bucerius Lab. A GitHub repository is available here. For more information about these game versions, visit IMAGINARY’s Citizen Quest website.

Previous showings of the MaRDI Station (selection)

Contact

If you want to showcase the MaRDI station at your workshop, conference, or event, please contact us via station@mardi4nfdi.de.