This game is designed for university-level students who are excited to deepen their understanding of, or are currently struggling with, concepts related to stem cell niches, stem cell function, and cancer. We aim to address a common misconception that stem cell differentiation, as well as cancer, arises from a single mutation or a singular moment in time. Instead, we emphasize that stem cell behaviour is shaped by its niche, and that cells exist in a dynamic environment where signals must be continuously interpreted in relation to their functional goals.
Stem cells are constantly balancing competing signals while making fate-influencing decisions, and these choices are rarely linear. Through this game, we highlight how external cues from the niche can influence these outcomes, and how disruptions in this balance can contribute to disease. Our goal is for students to move beyond memorizing pathways and instead build systems-level thinking that reflects the complexities of stem cells and cancer.
Below are some basic instructions for the variables in this game:
- HEALTH: The player starts with excellent health with a score of 10. This score may increase or decrease depending on the decisions you make. If your health declines to a score of 2, the game will end as your human will not be able to survive further decision-making.
- CANCER: The player will start with a cancer risk score of 0. This score may increase or decrease depending on the decisions you make. If your score reaches 5 or higher, the game will end as you transform into a cancerous cell.
Both scores will be available at the bottom of each page. Best of luck and begin playing!
