Today, the teams of MYC went their separate ways to visit companies related to their subject area. From what I have gathered, all of the groups really enjoyed themselves and learned something interesting.

The Applied Math team had one of the most well-known companies of the bunch - Rovio. Yes, they are the makers of Angry Birds. Yes, their building is decked out in Angry Birds, at least in some parts. It was pretty awesome.

Because Rovio.

Wait, how does this have to do with math? Well, there are definite connections in the physics and programming dimensions of game design. While we did not get into the technicalities of game design, we did discuss these connections some; for example, the use of a physics solver, vectors and matrices to describe position and movement, and making more efficient algorithms.

We also learned about Rovio as a company. I was surprised to learn that Rovio had many games before Angry Birds and that they are expanding into education to make learning fun for children.

Right before our wonderful lunch, we got to discuss our project with a programmer from Rovio. It was great to hear all of his suggestions, even though we did not end up taking all of them. After feeling slightly bad about not trying to do a computer game, it was nice to know that they also often start with board games and other physical models.

Team Applied Mathematics at Rovio. L-R: Victor (guide), Jordan (me), Daniel, Hrant, Matan, Peter Vesterbacka of Rovio, Nidia (guide), David, Professor Samuli Siltanen (group expert), Ms. Zenith Purisha (group expert) Photo Credit: LUMA Center

At the end, they gave us wonderful gift bags with fun Angry Birds stuff and we took pictures in the showroom before heading back to the University of Helsinki for about four hours of intense project work.

As suggested during our company visit, we began with a very simple game and simply tried it - just like we often do with mathematical models. Yep, that mathematical connection. :) Soon, we were thinking of more complex versions. By the end, everyone had some of their own opinions on various aspects of the game such as scoring, cards, and trash (re)distribution and we were constantly discussing. In fact, we began a game that was never finished - we only got through two or three rounds in twenty minutes - because we were discussing so much!

Prototyping with the help of pieces from existing games. Photo Credit: LUMA Center.

At 17:00 (oh how I love using the 24-hour system. I'm not joking, everyone back home thinks I am strange) we headed back to our hotel for dinner and then the first part of International Night.

For any potential future campers, he company visits are incredible for all of the groups. Like I mentioned, everyone seemed to have a blast and learn a lot. Everyone seems even more excited about making their projects the best they can be for the Gala!