Going Off World EP 5: Gaming Our Way to Mars with Hunter Stanchak

Going Off World: Moon, Mars, Venus, and beyond

Hunter Stanchek, former Apple and Magic Leap engineer, is building games that simulate thriving on Mars to inspire and train the next generation of space explorers. His company Thrive on Mars creates scientifically accurate, engaging games that teach players about surviving and flourishing in the harsh Martian environment while contributing to humanity's multi-planetary future.
• Stanchek worked at Apple designing products like the Apple Watch before joining AR startup Magic Leap
• The realization that space technology inspires STEM education while providing positive innovations led him to focus on Mars gaming
• Unlike most Mars entertainment focusing on survival and death, Thrive on Mars deliberately emphasizes thriving and building sustainable settlements
• Mission Control is their flagship real-time economic simulation game where players manage Martian resources using scientifically accurate values
• The game economy uses blockchain technology and a cryptocurrency called "Marsha" that serves as the medium of exchange
• Players can purchase Mars technology as NFTs with dynamic pricing based on actual demand in the game economy
• The platform allows for testing new Mars innovations in the game before physical prototyping begins
• Future games include Outpost Surge (turn-based roguelike) and Martian Resident (Unreal Engine 5 game with exploration and base building)
• Gaming will become a recruitment pipeline for the space industry, training future mission controllers and astronauts
• Players can stay updated through thriveonmars.com, Twitter, Discord, and weekly AMAs every Thursday at 2pm
🎧 Listen Now On:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-off-world-moon-mars-venus-and-beyond/id1737881627

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6WjqRL2AZnLWO7Z3DTDjS1?si=d47c055cca1e4df7

Web: https://goingoffworld.buzzsprout.com/

Thank you for joining me on this ongoing journey into the future. Until next time, stay curious, and always think forward.

Chapters

1. Going Off World EP 5: Gaming Our Way to Mars with Hunter Stanchak (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to Going Offworld (00:00:14)

3. Hunter's Journey from Apple to Mars (00:01:31)

4. Design Philosophy and Mission Vision (00:06:31)

5. Inside Thrive on Mars Games (00:12:11)

6. Blockchain Gaming for Mars Economy (00:21:35)

7. Future of Space Gaming (00:35:44)

8. Final Thoughts and Staying Connected (00:47:29)