IET's new viral game –based on the laws of physics and involving Lego Technic pieces – is going down well among engineers.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology says it has attracted more than half a million players in the first four weeks
Simon Thomson, IET publishing director, says the game was designed to promote the IET, Inspec Direct and IET Discover.
Called Cogitate, it allows users to manipulate gears, beams, conveyors and motors in order to complete 10 pre-built puzzles. Players also have the freedom to create their own levels and to challenge friends to complete them.
Says Thomson: "We've developed this exciting new game to promote Inspec Direct, our online research tool which provides access to the world's scientific and engineering literature and IET Discover, a collaborative, global social bookmarking site.
"Interest in the game has exploded. It was developed using a high-tech physics simulator, so the possibilities are limitless. To add to the fun, Lego found the game so inspiring they have allowed us to use Lego Technic pieces as some of the components in the virtual contraptions."