The SuperGroup & U.S. Department of State Launch Trace Effects

ATLANTA, April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the White House challenge to federal agencies to create games that have a positive impact on learning, health, and social change, The SuperGroup and U.S. Department of State have launched Trace Effects, an on-and-offline interactive 3D video game experience designed for students ages 12-16 throughout the world who want to expand their English skills and learn about American culture.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130402/PH87257 )

Promoting the learning and teaching of American English around the world is an integral part of the Department of State's efforts to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. With Trace Effects, the U.S. Department of State worked with The SuperGroup to create something groundbreaking, that would combine gaming and immersive language learning techniques to "change the game" with a long-term, first-to-market product. 

Students experience Trace Effects (http://americanenglish.state.gov/trace-effects) through the eyes of Trace, a university student from the year 2045 who has accidentally traveled back in time to the present. In order to get home, he must complete a challenging mission to change the future for the better by helping six young people accomplish great things that will positively impact the future.

Students take a virtual journey through the United States, traveling to locations, including Kansas, New Orleans, the Grand Canyon, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.  Instead of memorizing and reciting new words over and over, students immerse themselves in real situations and learn English in context.

Trace Effects introduces users to American society and explores themes related to entrepreneurship, empowering women, community activism, science and innovation, and environmental conservation.

"To make language learning effective for the new generation of international students, an enjoyable, and robust environment is needed – one where they can interact with virtual characters, and learn from 'real life' situations," said Brad Lewis, Founding Member of The SuperGroup.  "This interactive experience allows students to learn English communicatively, and, equally important, to learn about American culture through an educational process that feels natural, not artificial."

Trace Effects is available for free online, as well as in a DVD executable format for both teachers and learners. Students explore American culture through puzzles, activities, and adventures in an interactive world.  Trace Effects answers the widespread demand for English language learning opportunities by providing an educational game that complements classroom instruction with interactive learning elements, including:

- 7 chapters of game play in a virtual world

- 28 practice activities (four for each chapter) that complement and reinforce vocabulary and themes from the story

- 4 multi-player practice activities

- Comprehensive teacher and student manuals

- 7 graphic novels for extension activities

- Merriam-Webster® American English dictionary integration

- 2 mobile games for Android (played 1.7 million times in the first 30 days)

- 1 text based game for standard cell phones

- An offline installable version of the game for Windows and Mac for classrooms not connected to the internet

- A DVD Video walkthrough of the gameplay for classrooms with only television and no computers or internet

- Design and Development of marketing support materials

Trace Effects was test launched in Peru, Columbia, and Indonesia with positive results and student feedback.  It has since been launched worldwide through Americanenglish.state.gov, the recently launched American English portal developed by the U.S. Department of State.

To watch the Trace Effects trailer visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxg-KTJY-RA.  To experience the game, visit http://americanenglish.state.gov/trace-effects

About The SuperGroup (www.thesupergroup.com / [email protected]) – The SuperGroup can best be defined as a focused team of highly skilled marketers, designers and technology experts that exist for the sole purpose of giving their client's brands, products and ideas a power-up.  The SuperGroup has been described as a "boost" agency.  While not limited to, the agency specializes in creatively executed digital, social media, gaming, web development, viral marketing and bleeding edge events solutions, which they call "Interactive Attractions."  Founded in 2002, The SuperGroup has become a recognized leader in the creative industry and one of the country's hottest design and digital marketing firms.  An interdisciplinary creative agency, our work has been seen by tens of millions of people.  Direct clients include Disney, The U.S. Department of State, ING, The Weather Channel, Kimberly-Clark, Coca-Cola and Johnson & Johnson.  As a "boost" agency, The SuperGroup also regularly works with many of the biggest agencies in the country as an integrated and collaborative partner.  Doesn't everyone need a boost? 

About the U.S. State Department's Office of English Language Programs -Increasing the English language capacity of audiences overseas deepens and enriches their engagement with American counterparts and builds lasting bridges between cultures. The Office of English Language Programs designs and manages programs to promote language learning and support the teaching of English around the world. The Office of English Language Programs also provides academic expertise and develops English teaching and learning resources for use worldwide. The American English website provides links to multimedia resources and information on exchange opportunities for teachers and students of English as a foreign language.

SOURCE The SuperGroup