Atommix: A synthesis of art, fun and science

Have you ever thought about creating a more engaging and fun way to learn? For Extra Crunchy, that was exactly what inspired them to create their upcoming game atommix. Extra Crunchy was founded by a couple of talented artists who have been traveling the world for the past few years performing their creations. One of the latest projects is their card game atommix, which takes design inspiration from the elements of the periodic table. We connected with them earlier this month to learn more about their game and what inspired them to create a card game for their next project. Check out their Kickstarter to learn even more!

What is atommix?

A strategic card game visually portraying the 118 elements of the periodic table. The game has 5 levels and they all allow the Players to experience and learn true chemistry through visual storytelling.
Our intention was to learn SCIENCE through ART, given that visual language has greater power for communicating information than text.

Who are the peeps behind the game?

We are Rafi and Tutti Byron, otherwise known as Extra Crunchy — a duo of nomadic artists from Tel Aviv currently living in Costa Rica. We have been creating “Street Art” around the world for the past three years, including art festivals and music festivals! While traveling we were influenced by numerous different cultures and had the pleasure of meeting inspiring creators.
This project was cooking in our creative kitchen for at least a year, so when we started engineering it we knew it was a big project, and would need help with the structure and design. Therefore we teamed up with Saar Shai for the game design, who collaborated with Rafi on the successful Kickstarter game “King Down” 400% funded. We are also working with Mike Correll, ten time successful Kickstarter Administrator and Project Manager, along with a diverse grouping of top-notch Street Artists, Character Designers, and Visionary Artists — visual wizards who are helping us portray and tell the story of the elements. We currently have twelve Guest Artists and by our backers support will be able to include more amazing talents.

Guest Artists :
I Am Eelco, Lubomir Arsov, Deih, Hobbes Escrew, Sermob, Emily Ding, Dragon 76, N3o, Otis Chamberlain, AJ Davis and Dionne Ong.

What inspired you to make this game?

Originally our purpose was to learn the periodic table by illustrating the elements. As the curious beings that we are, we love learning about new technologies and science breakthroughs, and wish to manifest our own experiments with physical matter in the future. But we realized there are 118 elements to create, which is a lot of art, so we decided we needed some help and recruited international Street Artists, Concept Designers, and Visionary Artists who resonates with the concept. Each design is a portal that tells the story of the element. By using a crowdfunding platform and involving collaborators, we created an obligation to complete our mission.

What made you do a card game with a background like yours?

We enjoy exploring many fields! Street murals are a favorite because they are out where people can see them, the scale is fun, and it is a good way to share positive messages through art. Visual language is immediately interpreted by the brain. This visual brain work allows more fluent communication and makes it a lot easier to share complex ideas in great detail. We are far more engaged with storytelling than just plain text. By placing beautiful images next to words our brains create an immediate connection between the two — just like advertising. The same manipulation can be done for a better purpose! We decided to use our mural making skills to promote :: atommix :: and had the pleasure of traveling to three technology institute events across India, each giving us the opportunity to paint live element murals and share the concept of the game. As creative explorers we also love finding new sources of inspiration and sharing them. This project is a great opportunity to get exposed to art that speaks a language higher than words.

Is this your first time creating a game?

Rafi was a part of the Kickstarter game King Down, which he enjoyed as a Creative Director and Designer, but this is the first official Extra Crunchy game ever!

What is the process of creating the game?

We started with our first element as a fun sketch that evolved into “Helium”. It opened our mind to the idea of using art as a portal to learn about science. Going forward we looked for unique ways of transforming the element’s characteristics into characters, using their powerful Latin and Greek names and meanings to spark the imagination and build a story around them.
The symbols of the game are inspired by ancient alchemic symbols that fit with the theme, and dark background frames which allow the artwork colors to truly “pop”!
The rules of the game are based on chemical behaviors, but in a card game kind of way. We wanted to create mini games that could appeal to casual players, as well as more strategic players.

What is the one thing you want the world to know

We recently got nostalgic and watched “The Neverending Story” with the thought that it would top our special effects standards. As the movie progressed we realized it is a message for us to hold on to beauty, imagination and courage. We are all the creators of this story and we have the power to shape and design it however we wish.

Article published on www.fourtato.com.