The Challenge: In support of the National Park Foundation and the 2016 Centennial of the National Park Service, how can Schell Games create an experience that inspires players to make a difference in real life at U.S. national parks, and celebrate volunteers and highlight the critical role that they play as caretakers of the national parks?

The Solution: Save the Park, an iOS endless runner game, was created in partnership with American Express, Schell Games and Games for Change. The game features four national park volunteers who must accomplish a set of volunteer tasks, to help preserve and conserve the parks. These characters have been developed to represent different interests/passions that would inspire people to want to volunteer. Volunteer activities include exploring different terrains to protect animal habitats, plant trees, maintain trails, collect research specimens, help park visitors, and more, while avoiding obstacles in the player’s way.

Throughout the game, players are prompted to take action and volunteer on the National Park Service website. Players learn about the national parks through facts and information about how the in-game volunteer tasks represent the real-world impact volunteers have every day in the national parks.

The Result: The American Express Foundation made a $1 donation to National Park Foundation (the official charity of the National Park Service) for each download of Save the Park, up to $50,000. The donation supported National Park Foundation’s park conservation and stewardship work.

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