Texas Funds Elementary Student Nutrition Education Game

Nonprofit medicine research and education company The Cooper Institute is fighting childhood obesity with The Quest to Lava Mountain, an educational game targeted at grade school children. The game -- which recently concluded its pilot program in fourteen schools -- is described as an exploration-based adventure with avatar customization that teaches children proper nutritional habits. It is part of the NutriGram program, an interactive educational initiative funded by the Texas Department of Agriculture. The Quest to Lava Mountain was developed by Dallas-based Controlled Chaos Media, a studio founded by former students of The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University. Controlled Chaos previously shipped Pocket Fish and Lumos for iOS platforms. "It’s great to have a medium that meets kids where they are and provides the motivation to learn how to make better choices in their lives," said Controlled Chaos founder Hunter Woodley. "We’re excited to have created a game that has been so well-received." The game will roll out across public elementary schools in Texas starting in August. More information on the NutriGram project -- which plans for a nationwide expansion next year -- is available on its official site. The official gameplay trailer for The Quest to Lava Mountain is available on YouTube.