TaleBlazer 3.5.1

Developed by the MIT Scheller Teacher Education Program (STEP) lab, TaleBlazer is an augmented reality (AR) game platform that enables users to play and create their own location-based mobile games. To create your own TaleBlazer game, please visit taleblazer.org.

TaleBlazer games unfold in real-world settings where players engage with virtual characters, objects, and data while moving around physically. These games are compatible with most smartphones and can be played offline once downloaded.

A wide array of organizations, including zoos, nature centers, historic sites, museums, schools, and universities, can leverage augmented reality games to deeply involve visitors in their physical surroundings. While most TaleBlazer games occur outdoors utilizing GPS for positioning, indoor gameplay is also possible through beacons or alternative game mechanisms.

The immersive nature of TaleBlazer games makes them effective tools for engaging players in thoughtful role-playing, exploration, or investigative tasks across a diverse range of subjects.

Moreover, users have the opportunity not only to play games but also to craft their own. Creating an AR game with TaleBlazer can be both educational and enjoyable. The web-based TaleBlazer editor, utilizing a blocks-based scripting language, simplifies the process for anyone, including students, to develop their own AR adventures. For further assistance, the 'Support' section on the website offers additional resources and tutorials to aid users.

Acknowledgements: This work is funded in part by the National Science Foundation through Grants No. AYS #0639638, ITEST #0833663, and AISL #1223407 to the Missouri Botanical Garden and MIT. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein solely belong to the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Science Foundation. TaleBlazer has also received support from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The project extends its gratitude to partners at Old Sturbridge Village, Drumlin Farm, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Red Butte Botanical Garden, and San Diego Zoo for their invaluable contributions to development and testing.