We are the authors of two interactive touchscreen games at the Riga National Zoo’s environmental and education center, “Zinarium”. Our games invite visitors to take on the role of ecosystem managers, experiment with environmental conditions, and explore the intricate relationships between animals.

In the game “Ecosystem Administrator”, visitors have the opportunity to control natural processes in the desert, influencing animal behavior and adaptation to environmental changes. Players can adjust temperature, switch between day and night, and regulate wind and humidity levels. This game functions as an interactive real-time ecosystem simulation, where every decision leads to visible and logical consequences. It encourages systems thinking and experimentation with the natural world’s cause-and-effect relationships.

The game “Life in the Grasslands—Yes or No?” offers a unique perspective on the savanna ecosystem, revealing how animals are interconnected and the crucial roles they play in maintaining ecological balance. Based on a dynamic puzzle mechanic, the game allows players to change the sequence of an animal’s life cycle and observe how these alterations impact the environment. Its goal is to demonstrate the importance of each species within the ecosystem and how disruptions to the natural balance can affect the entire system. A time limit keeps the gameplay engaging and adds a layer of challenge.

Our games enhance the Zinarium center’s exhibition, making it even more engaging by allowing visitors to interact with the digital environment, gain new knowledge, and understand natural processes through an immersive gaming experience.