My Molecularium

Educational Mobile Game for Learning Chemistry Through Play.

My Molecularium is a mobile game designed to make chemistry intuitive, visual, and addictive. Commissioned by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as part of its Molecularium Project, the game turns molecular structure and bonding into a fast-paced, physics-based challenge—something like Angry Birds meets nanoscience.

Players use swipe-and-launch mechanics to shoot atoms at target bonding sites, assembling real molecules such as water, caffeine, and adrenaline. With laser-guided aim, trajectory arcs, and live structural feedback, players must complete each molecule using correct atomic pairings and bond types. As levels progress, complexity increases—challenging players to think critically while staying engaged in the game loop.

The gameplay blends science and strategy. Each level introduces real-world chemical structures and reinforces learning through repetition and interaction. Instead of quizzes or textbook formulas, players learn through direct construction—gaining a tactile understanding of atomic behavior, molecular geometry, and structural stability.

In My Molecularium, players build molecules by launching atoms at target bond sites, combining gameplay with real chemistry concepts.

To support the game’s educational mission, we developed a physics engine that respects chemical rules, including bond angles, valence behavior, and reaction constraints. Each puzzle solution is chemically accurate, and progress is tied to real scientific understanding—even as the player experiences it through gesture and intuition.

Built for iOS and Android, the game was optimized for smooth mobile performance, clear visual feedback, and minimal UI friction. We worked closely with science educators and molecular animators to ensure that the game was both academically sound and broadly accessible. A gyroscopic aiming system added an extra layer of precision and embodied interaction, helping players feel connected to the material.

Nominated for Best Mobile Game App of 2017 by The Best Mobile App Awards

My Molecularium was nominated for Best Mobile Game App of 2017 by The Best Mobile App Awards and praised for its ability to translate STEM content into a game that doesn’t feel educational—but is. It became a favorite among teachers, students, and science communicators, who used it as a playful bridge into more formal chemistry learning.

For us, My Molecularium proved that game mechanics and scientific structure aren’t opposites—they’re allies. With the right system, even the smallest atoms can create big engagement.

Client: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)