Hi-Tech Remote Birdwatching

Researchers from UC Berkeley and Texas A&M have combined to develop the latest Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) game: Birdwatching.

The game will be launched on April 23, 2007. The website will combine a remotely-controllable robotic pan-tilt-zoom video camera (focused on the Sutro Forest) with live streaming video, image database, and point system.

A quote from Berkeley professor Ken Goldberg:

We’re hoping it attracts a wide range of players, from young videogamers who have never tried bird watching, to seniors who are seasoned birdwatchers. Initially, the gamers may be better at controlling the interface, and birdwatchers may be better at correctly classifying the birds. We’re looking forward to seeing how things turn out.

This news release from UC Berkeley provides more details.