The COVID-19 comic

#proj-thecovid19comic

Project application - project 569 - 21/03/2021

1.1 Problem and Background

The general public are being asked to live in line with COVID-19 restrictions and be ready to receive vaccinations. Yet there is a gap in their understanding about how COVID-19 works, how vaccinations work - including the new mRNA vaccines - and what the significance of new variants are. There's a risk of vaccine hesitancy powered by misinformation and conspiracy theories. It is further difficult to experimentally determine, understand or visualise the structure of variable enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2. There is also a dearth of materials pitched at teenagers and younger audiences, as well as materials in an educational game format.

1.2 Solution summary in simple terms

How does the COVID-19 virus get into a cell? How is this prevented by a vaccine? And in turn, how is this sidestepped by mutation?

What we need is engaging, educational material with broad appeal. I will build an interactive story-based investigation 2D illustrations and 3D animation films. An interactive fiction is the simplest kind of game - read, look at the pictures, watch video clips, and choose options to make the narrative progress. 

1.3 Solution summary in technical terms

I'll assemble it in Ren'Py, a free visual novel engine.

Digital models and animation can be produced using Autodesk 3DsMax and Maya, and Adobe Creative Suite, as 3D modelling software can assemble scientific research into easily communicable structures. 

Assembly into an interactive narrative can be done using the visual novel engine Ren'Py. This is a simple engine using Python to arrange images, video files, animations, and interactive options: https://www.renpy.org/

I will make the production free to download via the Steam Store.

1.4 State of advancement of the project 

I already have the most important assets - accurate models of the virus, and knowledge about the virus. These are currently hosted on Sketchfab in the Glasgow Life Sciences gallery.

https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/sars-cov-2-virion-updated-f3235b3b7bc949958ce41b83825ae384

https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/sars-cov-2-half-virion-updated-141250900aad4494a542d4e258b35a00

https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/sars-cov-2-spike-section-updated-9255eacbe3114335ae3d9b0f8426700a

I've been researching the SARS-CoV-2 virus with a virologist for a year now. My models are verified by a virologist at the Centre for Virus Research - Glasgow University, and are viewable at sketchfab.com/GLS.

I have experimented with Ren'Py to produce short fictions. I can program competently in Python.

1.5 Project Timeline

Goal 1: [ACHIEVED] Build scientifically accurate models of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Goal 2 [April 15]: Update the model to reflect current understanding.

Goal 3 [April 25]: Storyboad narratives including interactive choices.

Goal 4 [June 1]: Create sprites, backgrounds, 3D visualisations, and short animations to assemble into a short narrative.

Goal 5 [July 15]: Assemble into interactive comic book using Ren'Py, producing a story which will take approx 15 minutes to play.

2.1 Solution, research, or intervention? 

The comic will provide a solution to misinformation and lack of public understanding about the virus, and how the vaccines work.

2.2 Methodology

I will script and storyboard the interactive novel first, followed by creating a list and production schedule for all graphical assets.

The SARS-CoV-2 models need to be animated in Autodesk Maya and 3Ds Max, and compositing in Adobe After Effects to produce video files. I will use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to craft further images for character sprites, backgrounds, and additional graphics such as dialogue boxes.

2.3 Results 

An interactive comic game suitable for ages 12+, presenting a step-by-step journey into a SARS-CoV-2 virus, an explanation of its structure, and a sequence showing how it can infect a host cell - or be prevented by a vaccine. The comic game will be an educational resource that raises understanding of the virus, of the vaccine, and of viral processes. The comic game will be available via the Steam store, a trusted and well known platform. 

3.1 - 3.4 Safety, quality assurance and regulation 

Largely not applicable, this is a desk-based, digital project. I will make the product available via the Steam online store, and will therefore comply with the quality requirements and regulations set by Valve. 

3.5 Planning and testing. I'll test a drafts of the model on focus groups and verify its accuracy with virologists from the MRC-Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, with whom I have worked before.

Impact, issues and risks

4.1 The fiction will be pitched to be suitable for ages 12+. The impact is potentially extremely broad, especially given that it will be a free resource which is available to download and play. I will increase awareness of the project with a focused social media campaign.

4.2 The success of the project rests on it having beautiful, striking visuals and excellent writing. As a science communicator and visualiser I'm confident I can produce both.

4.3 This is my first professional production with Ren'Py, having used it to make small personal novels before. It's possible integrating animations or video files into Ren'Py will need extra research and learning addition Python code. Therefore I will aim to use funding to hire a professional programmer to ensure the production is highest quality.

Originality

5.1 Similar projects include:

The Misinformation Jab - https://app.jogl.io/project/575/TheMisinformationJab

Volt School - promoting quality education by providing digital learning materials. https://app.jogl.io/project/215/VoltSchool

5.2 This is an innovative project because few projects target the SDG of Quality Education, using modern digital media. As a science communicator I am passionate about raising awareness and scientific literacy in the general public.

5.3 No.

Team Experience

6.1 Annabel Slater - Artist, writer, programmer. I have an MA Biological Sciences, MSc Science Media Production, MSc Medical Visualisation & Human Anatomy. I have 10 years of experience working in science communication. See https://www.instagram.com/scient_art/ for drawing and art examples.

Dr Ed Hutchinson - Science consultant - Virologist at the Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK  https://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/iii/staff/edwardhutchinson/ 

No location or lab required.

Funding and Costs

7.1 Funding is needed for the salary costs for a programmer to work upon the project to ensure the interactive novel is correctly coded. I anticipate a buyout of 1372 euros to book their time for approximately 10 days.

There is also a fee of 84 euros to submit a game to the Steam Store platform.

I will need to purchase one month of professional licences for Autodesk Maya and 3Ds Max at a cost of 544 euros.

7.2 Currently the project is not funded, so it is not progressing.

7.3 I request the maximum amount available to new projects - 2000 euros.

8.0 Not applicable.