The Hague University of Applied Sciences and Waag FutureLab are collaborating on quantum technology. As part of this, GameLab students tested a board game developed by Waag FutureLab to introduce school pupils to quantum-related questions.
Quantum computers are unfamiliar territory for many. Games can explain a great deal: not only quantum principles such as qubits and entanglement, but also their impact on society. This can involve digital games, like those we made at the Quantum Game Jam, as well as physical board and card games.
Waag FutureLab's game is a physical game with cards and dice. Participants must try to solve quantum-related challenges while considering the ethical implications of their proposed solutions. Each challenge includes costs, the societal problem being addressed, and themes such as cryptography, business process optimisation and cybersecurity.
After a brief introduction, eight students and supervisors played intensively and took on the role of game designers to provide feedback the developer can use for further improvements.
A second session is being planned to take the quantum game another step forward.