By Kenny Chee

THE name is cool, evoking images of science-fiction battles in outer space.

In fact, though, it is all about imbibing Singapore's culture and heritage through interactive play.

Called Mission Darkstar - Heritage Gaming Redefined, the first heritage-based online game development competition in Singapore was launched last Wednesday by the National Heritage Board (NHB). The games will be played on web browsers like Internet Explorer and must be able to run on online social networks such as Facebook.

The contest follows the trend of government initiatives that use interactive digital media as education tools.

Earlier this year, two games were rolled out by local game developer Playware Studios and the Education Ministry to teach history and human geography in secondary schools.

NHB said that "online gaming and social media are emerging as a creative force and powerful marketing tool that the young believe in and embrace".

Thus, NHB organised the contest to leverage on the power of the Internet-based services to allow a young generation of Internet- savvy Singaporeans aged 17 to 35 years to create unique games for their peers.

And with playability on online social networks, NHB think the games can better spread the heritage theme to the online population and the masses.

"Through the contest, we hope to help foster a sense of community, national identity and rootedness among the younger generation," said an NHB spokesman.

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