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Quantum computers promise a novel method of information processing much faster than "classical" computers. In 2019, a quantum computer completed in a task that classically takes 10,000 years. This exponential increase in speed has potential to upend encryption critical to , solve optimization problems for artificial intelligence and even . Speed means that computational tasks can be accomplished faster and more precisely than ever before. There are still significant research obstacles to overcome -- and supporting progress in quantum computing has become a as well as an . 

Quantum computing is inherently interdisciplinary, bringing together research from fields including computer science, physics and mathematics. Approaching this complexity requires a diversity of thought and talent. Whereas traditional computers store data in binary bits with a value of either 0 or 1, quantum computers leverage properties of atomic and subatomic particles, storing data in quantum bits called . Qubits operate according to the principles of quantum physics, requiring researchers to apply high levels of math and physics, develop new methods of computer programming, and design novel hardware.  

That only scratches the surface of quantum, and breaking down its core concepts has turned into an epic endeavor -- one being tackled in games. are a particularly useful for understanding abstract STEM concepts, incorporating visual cues and active participation shown to help people understand quantum principles. The following examples are how some quantum experts are leveraging games for non-expert audiences, both in explaining the core concepts of quantum as well as crowdsourcing quantum research.

Exploring Quantum Principles

Hello Quantum

, produced by IBM by Dr. James Wootton, teaches the player how to manipulate qubits and builds intuition on the logic to code programs for quantum computers. Designed for non-experts, the puzzle game combines the simplicity of . The goal is to match a specified pattern by changing the position and color of circles on a grid. The grid represents a pair of qubits and the color of the circles indicates their state, either 鈥渙n鈥� (white), 鈥渙ff鈥� (black) or 鈥渞andom鈥� (clear). As the player progresses, they discover not only different controls to manipulate qubits, but also the properties of qubit interactions -- like the that have not yet been measured. Tutorials along the way offer explanations on the quantum computing principles.

(Free, Available for Android on and for iOS on the )

Quantum Cats

The worlds鈥� kittens have been captured and the are on a mission to bring them back. In the angry-birds inspired game by the at the University of Waterloo, the player slingshots cats imbued with quantum powers to break open boxes containing their kittens. Launching different members of the feline team into the air allows the player to explore quantum principles: Classy (the cat) hurtles through space following the laws of classical physics, Schr枚 can be in multiple places at the same time mimicking the ability of qubits in superposition to hold multiple possible values simultaneously, Digger can pass through barriers mimicking wave-like quantum behavior, and Fuzzy collides with random targets mimicking Heisenberg鈥檚 uncertainty principle. The contrast in the behaviors of the cats helps players learn about the differences between classical and quantum physics. In 2017, Quantum Cats was featured in the world鈥檚 first in Aarhus, Denmark, where visitors could enjoy their coffee while playing a variety of games related to quantum.

(Free, Available for Android on and for iOS on the )

Quantum Chess

Discover a whole new way to checkmate your opponent. , designed in 2016 by Chris Cantwell in collaboration with California Institute of Technology鈥檚 , is a variation of chess that incorporates quantum moves. The game is intended to give the widest possible audience an while having fun. Quantum Chess is one of several projects that modify the rules of existing games, such as or , to incorporate quantum principles. In Quantum Chess, pieces can occupy multiple squares or become entangled, tying their fates to one another. Quantum Chess gained millions of views in a National Science Foundation funded featuring a quantum chess match between Stephen Hawking and actor Paul Rudd.

($9.99. Available on PC/Linus/Mac through . Rating pending from the ESRB.)

Contributing to Quantum Research

The ScienceAtHome team at Aarhus University鈥檚 Department of Physics and Astronomy uses games to allow new audiences to participate in groundbreaking research, without needing a PhD. ScienceAtHome games such as Quantum Moves or Quantum Minds are citizen science projects, using the data generated by public game play to inform science experiments on quantum computing and machine learning.

Quantum Moves 2

You can now contribute to groundbreaking quantum research from your living room! ScienceAtHome鈥檚 allows players to control the movement of atoms at the core of qubits - from the comfort of their computer. The gamified citizen science project represents the wave-like behavior of the atoms as a sloshy liquid that moves according to quantum wave patterns. The player鈥檚 mouse movement simulates moving a laser 鈥渢weezer鈥� to manipulate the wave into a target shape within a tight time limit. Each player鈥檚 solution in Quantum Moves 2 is sent to a team of researchers as data that they then use to optimize their actual manipulation of qubits to further research on quantum computing. The game not only collects data for research, but also introduces players to the strangeness of quantum mechanics 鈥溾��. Already, player efforts in the original Quantum Moves have led to breakthroughs by demonstrating that human decision-making "."

(Free. Available on . Age rating unlisted.) 

Where will Quantum Games go next?

Educational games for quantum computing break down quantum principles so audiences without scientific backgrounds can explore the concepts in a fun environment, as well as involve them in research for quantum solutions. While the first quantum game was built only 3 years ago, the number and reach of quantum games is rapidly growing, gaining participation through Quantum Game Cafes, quantum , a , and even features in the . 

Not all games need to be digital. In the game to introduce principles of quantum physics to female high school students, and . Game initiatives like can be instrumental to increasing the diversity of people with access to quantum computing, and does not require access to computers.

Future concerns may also focus beyond baseline accessibility; games can be used for skill-development. In Hello Quantum, for example, players unknowingly execute the operations of Linear Algebra, a subject normally only accessible to college STEM majors, but foundationally to the coding for quantum computing. By combining the accessibility of a fun game environment, skill development through gamified problem-solving, and targeted outreach, future games can support the education pipeline for quantum computing.