Cytosis is the creation of engineer and game designer John Coveyou (Peptide, Virulence), who teaches classes in Game Design at Webster University in St. Louis. In this game, players take control of the functions inside a human cell, using the cell’s organelles to build enzymes, hormones, and receptors. These resources are then used to defend the cell from viruses and to earn “health points” by fulfilling the cell’s needs. The player who can gather the most health points wins the game.
Like Coveyou’s earlier designs, Cytosis is intended to be a fun and educational activity while also offering a solid game experience, as the designer states. “Traditionally games are only meant for entertainment and school is where you go to learn. At Genius Games we have always felt that you can make learning fun. That is our mission, to develop games that are not only a blast to play, but that also simultaneously demystify intimidating science concepts.”
The design received a very positive reception at Design Day 2016, a gathering of game designers and playtesters sponsored by Stonemaier Games in September, where it was awarded the “Highest Rated Game” honor.
Genius Games is funding the project through a Kickstarter campaign, which reached its $14,500 goal within five hours. The campaign has broken the $100,000 mark, including support from over 2,000 backers, with 21 days remaining in the campaign. Genius Games plans backer fulfillment in August, with release into the trade to follow.
