The launch of science and games.

I have visited Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex on countless occasions. While I enjoy the park, I believe it could be more appealing to a younger crowd. With the popularity of space-themed video games rising, I had a hunch; could bridging science to these futuristic adventures be the key?

So I sent out a 2-question survey:

1. Do you play space-themed video games?

2. Suppose Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex incorporated space-themed video games (Halo, Mass Effect, etc) into an attraction. This may include physical rides or connecting science to the game concepts. Would you want to visit the park to check out this attraction? (**disregard pricing, travel, and other factors)

As stated in the survey, the park attraction could include physical rides or the connection of science to game concepts. For example, explorers could ride the conceptual space craft and visit in-game planets. NASA data could compare these planets with those found in systems from our universe.

Survey results:

37% play space-themed video games but 69% would visit an attraction.

California's Great America amusement park has built on similar interest. Last year, the park opened Mass Effect: New Earth, a theatrical experience/simulator that gained popularity. The ride presents an actor who narrates the journey between planets, much like Disney's Star Tours ride, as alien enemies appear.

NASA has a greater opportunity to draw this market in connecting science to the games; an initiative taken by no other park. The KSC Visitor Complex already attracts those interested in space, and can even influence young students to consider STEM majors when games and reality are connected.

I researched for my amusement, but findings show that Kennedy Space Center should launch science and games.