The story behind MSP Challenge 4.0

Looking back on the highlights of this project 

In 2011 Xander Keijser and Lodewijk Abspoel from the Dutch Government approached Igor Mayer, then at Delft University of Technology, to explore the concept of making a simulation game about maritime spatial planning (MSP). 

Fast-forward to 2016, when the Cradle R&D Lab was established at AGM (Academy for Games and Media), embarking on the ambitious task of developing the fourth incarnation of MSP Challenge.  

Again, fast-forward to 2019, where BUas staff, during the Connecting Seas conference in Hamburg, hinted at the imminent ‘getting out of beta’ moment for the platform. However, unforeseen challenges, including limited funding and the global Covid-19 pandemic, added complexity to the development process.  

Despite the hurdles, four years after the Hamburg conference, MSP Challenge 4.0 stands tall with a complete graphical user interface redesign, key additional features, and numerous bug fixes. We proudly declare the platform out of beta, offering a robust simulation gaming experience for maritime spatial planning professionals and students worldwide. 

Collaboration and funding 

An impressive number of 46 individuals, including colleagues, students, and externals, have contributed to MSP Challenge over the past seven years. Since January 2018, MSP Challenge has been employed in over 60 demos and workshops worldwide, involving more than 2000 participants. This global outreach, averaging about one session per month, underscores the platform's unique position in the digital serious/simulation game research community. From the Caribbean to China, MSP Challenge has educated and assisted maritime spatial planners and stakeholders, setting a noteworthy precedent. 

Critical to MSP Challenge's success is the substantial funding it secured. Over 25 projects, with a budget exceeding 3 million euros, supported the research, design, development, and application of the platform. The majority of the budget came from EU research funding, followed by Dutch research funding, direct government support from the Netherlands, Germany, and Scotland, and contributions from other universities. 

The decision to release the software and its source code for free through mspchallenge.info turned out to be important as well. This commitment, coupled with the organisation of numerous game sessions, sent a powerful message to the MSP community about the platform's dedication and therefore BUas to supporting them in a unique way, through simulation game design and technology. 

What lies ahead for MSP Challenge? 

The journey doesn't end with MSP Challenge 4.0. Plans are underway to release approximately four new versions annually for the next several years. New projects such as Ecoscope and OR ELSE will expand the platform's capabilities, allowing players to explore sustainable fishing and sand extraction policies within the maritime spatial planning process. Moreover, spin-offs, including contributions to the EU-funded Iliad Digital Twin of the Ocean project, are in the works, ensuring MSP Challenge continues to shape the future of maritime spatial planning through innovation and collaboration. 

Would you like to know more about the MSP Challenge simulation platform? Go to buas.nl.