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Best Social Media Crowdsourcing Game
Crystal Island
North Carolina State University
CRYSTAL ISLAND: Lost Investigation is an engaging educational adventure game for middle school microbiology and literacy. Players adopt the role of an Epidemic Intelligence Officer investigating an outbreak at a research station on a remote island. Players solve the science mystery by gathering clues from sick patients, collecting information about viral and bacterial infections, running laboratory tests, and presenting diagnostic predictions. After solving the mystery, students unlock Challenge Mode where they earn trophies and master foundational reading skills and science content knowledge. The game provides narrative-based scaffolding and embedded assessments to promote strategic thinking, complex problem solving, and self-regulated learning.