Case study

Training AI through play: how MBARI turned gamers into citizen scientists to uncover the ocean's secrets

FathomVerse logo set against an underwater scene with various marine animals, representing the game's focus on ocean exploration and species identification.
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annotations made by players contributing to ocean preservation

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images of ocean wildlife correctly identified

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players actively contributing to our understanding of ocean health

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minutes of average play-time per session

Project Overview

Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), a leading oceanographic research institute, faces the challenge of labeling vast amounts of ocean imagery collected to monitor marine life. AI algorithms are helping speed up this process, but they require large amounts of labeled data to learn effectively.

To meet this need, MBARI approached &ranj to help them develop FathomVerse, a mobile game that turns ocean enthusiasts into citizen scientists. Players tag and classify marine animals, directly contributing to AI training.

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The challenge

Too much data, not enough hands

Scientists across the globe are capturing vast amounts of ocean imagery to monitor marine ecosystems. AI holds the key to processing this flood of data, but before AI can distinguish a jellyfish from a plastic bag, it needs to learn. And learning requires labeled data—a lot of it.

However, manually labeling millions of images is time-consuming and resource-heavy. Researchers needed a scalable solution that could leverage collective effort and enthusiasm for ocean conservation.

The solution

Turning ocean exploration into a game for impact

MBARI turned to an unexpected ally: gamers. FathomVerse 'Explore the Depths', developed with &ranj's expertise, transforms image tagging into an engaging experience that empowers MBARI to engage the public and scale AI training.

By inviting players to explore ocean life, the game channels collective curiosity into meaningful contributions to ocean research. By simply playing, users become part of a global effort to understand and protect our oceans.

FathomVerse blurs the line between play and purpose, inviting players to step into the role of citizen scientists. Players review ocean footage, tagging and classifying marine animals. This labeled data feeds into FathomNet, a publicly accessible repository that supports marine research worldwide.

In 2023, a beta version attracted players from 65 countries, resulting in over 650,000 annotations. Following this success, the game launched publicly in May 2024, expanding its reach and fostering a growing community of ocean explorers.
Person holding a smartphone displaying the FathomVerse app with information on a Vampire Squid, showcasing interactive learning and species identification features.

Designed for exploration and discovery

Our mobile game features innovative gameplay and rich graphics that engage ocean enthusiasts, animal lovers, and armchair explorers alike. Core features include: 

  • Explore missions and identify species: Unlock and classify over 50 marine animal groups through curated gameplay.

  • Interactive minigames of blissful deep-sea exploration: Engage with real ocean imagery by identifying and labeling marine life at your own pace.

  • Customizable gameplay: Choose between calm exploration or fast-paced challenges with customizable game modes.

  • Pioneer in discovery: Be the first to identify new species and earn unique in-game titles and awards.

  • Unlock awards and learn: Progress unlocks deeper insights into AI, machine learning, and ocean ecosystems.

  • Build your personal gallery: Save and curate your favorite finds in a personal collection.

Curious? Try it out for yourself. Dive in and make a difference!

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The Results

How FathomVerse players are making waves in ocean research

FathomVerse’s impact continues to grow, driven by a passionate and loyal player community. Key contributions include:

  • 7 million+ annotations made by players, advancing ocean preservation efforts.

  • 42,500 images of marine wildlife accurately labeled, enriching scientific databases.

  • 16,000+ active players engaging regularly, fueling ongoing AI training.

  • 11+ minutes of average playtime per session, reinforcing consistent engagement.

FathomVerse’s success has earned recognition from prestigious awards, winning a silver Serious Play Award and including nominations for the Playing for the Planet Award and the GALA Award.

2023 International Serious Play Awards silver medal badge, recognizing FathomVerse for excellence in game design and impact.

Where are we now

Expanding FathomVerse into the future

A new release is planned for Q2-2025, bringing even more interactive experiences and deeper AI integration. The goal is to create an even more immersive and rewarding experience for players, while continuing to generate valuable data for ocean researchers.

MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) logo featuring a triangle with a wave symbol and the institute’s name.

Services we provided:

  • Game design and development
  • Integration with FathomNet CMS

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