Educational platform shooter blending gaming and genetics
Genetics and molecular biology are among the most challenging topics for high school students. Research on biology education points to Cytology and Genetics as the subjects where students struggle most — not because they lack interest, but because the content is filled with abstract terminology, microscopic concepts, and ideas with little connection to everyday life.1,2
Without effective teaching materials and methodologies, these subjects feel distant and hard to retain. Traditional classroom approaches often fall short, leaving students disengaged from content that is, at its core, about how life itself works.3
Genogun transforms genetics into an action game. Players take on the role of Rybo — a heroic ribosome defending cells from viral attacks — armed with the Genogun, a weapon that fires genetic combinations. To destroy each virus, players must identify its genetic weakness and select the correct pairing: AA, Aa, or aa.
Built with SpriteKit and GameplayKit using an Entity-Component System (ECS) architecture, the game combines strategy, time pressure, and biology concepts into an engaging macOS experience.
Each virus has specific genetic vulnerabilities — players must apply the correct AA, Aa, or aa pairing to defeat them.
Defeat viruses quickly before waves accumulate and overwhelm the player.
Entity-Component System design built with GameplayKit for scalable, maintainable game logic.
Sound effects and background music throughout the game, managed with AVFoundation.
Visual elements designed to create a charming and engaging experience.
Genetics concepts embedded naturally into gameplay — no lectures required.
Design
Development
Development
Development
Download Genogun and experience how genetics concepts can be transformed into interactive gameplay.
Play the game and explore the mechanics built with SpriteKit and GameplayKit.