Artificial Life in Game Mods for Intuitive Evolution Education

Abstract: The understanding and acceptance of evolution by natural selection has become a difficult issue in many parts of the world, particularly the United States of America. The use of games to improve intuition about evolution via natural selection is promising but can be challenging. We propose the use of modifications to commercial games using artificial life techniques to 'stealth teach' about evolution via natural selection, provide a proof-of-concept mod of the game Stardew Valley, and report on its initial reception.