The Design and Implementation of Biological Evolution as a Video Game Mechanic

Video games have the potential to help teach evolutionary biology, but most commercial games misrepresent evolutionary principles by allowing player choice to dictate evolutionary trajectories. Our game studio aims to incorporate scientifically accurate evolutionary models into gameplay mechanics. In our previous games Darwin's Demons and Project Hastur, we designed digital genomes and implemented evolutionary models to create enemy populations that adapt to player strategies. However, accurately simulating evolution can sometimes conflict with crafting an enjoyable game. Here we examine balancing scientific realism with fun in the game design process. Using experimental data from Project Hastur, we show enemies evolve increased size and sensory abilities to counter player defenses, demonstrating the game mechanic's adaptive capabilities. We discuss how mutation rates, population sizes, generation times and other parameters can be adjusted to balance accuracy and enjoyment, with the goal of creating engaging games that reinforce and demonstrate, rather than misrepresent, evolutionary principles.