Cards game for players

Image for players

Goal of the demonstrator

The DestinE Earth Pulse demonstrator aims to illustrate the capabilities of the DestinE Platform environment through an interactive game that combines local climate, socio-economic, and satellite information. Designed for non-expert users, the game allows players to explore data and create their own customised versions without any coding skills. By leveraging DestinE Platform services to access and process Climate Digital Twin data, Eurostat statistics, and Copernicus satellite imagery at NUTS-3 level, the demonstrator showcases how complex information can be transformed into engaging, accessible experiences. Packaged as a mobile-friendly game that can be easily shared and played, Earth Pulse serves as an entry point for new audiences, raising awareness and visibility of the Destination Earth initiative beyond its traditional user community.

Access the game

https://earth-pulse.destine.eu/

Languages

Earth Pulse was developed in English. But the game is available in 26 languages (translations have been generated with MistralAI), switchable from the navigation menu.

Requirements

  • Modern browser with WebSocket support (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

  • JavaScript enabled (required for gameplay)

  • Stable internet connection (WebSocket-based real-time gameplay)

  • No special hardware needed — works on desktop and mobile devices

  • ⚠️ Important: Apple iCloud Private Relay can interfere with WebSockets; disable it in Settings for better gameplay

How to play?

Goal of the game

Each card in the deck showcases a location, packed with real-world climate stats and demographic data. The mission? Outsmart your opponents by picking the right statistic and winning all the cards! Whoever has the highest score at the end wins the game.

Game Modes

Choose how you want to play:

Classic Mode — The traditional gameplay style. Pick the right statistic, outsmart your opponents, and earn points to win! Uses logarithmic scoring based on indicator values. Perfect for learning the game.

Strategic Mode — An advanced mode with simultaneous card selection and risk-based scoring. Players choose cards strategically, and scores are calculated based on risk levels and performance. Requires more strategic thinking. Refer to the in-game tutorial for complete rules.

Beat Desty Mode — A multiplayer classroom-friendly mode where players compete against a virtual opponent called Desty. Each round, Desty reveals a card and players must choose an indicator from their card that can outperform Desty’s card hidden values. Designed for large group play, this mode encourages discussion, quick decision-making, and works especially well in educational environments with up to 40 players.

GeoClimate Quiz Mode — A single-player geography and climate challenge inspired by location-guessing games. Players must identify a hidden city, region, or forest using satellite imagery and climate indicators, selecting the correct answer from four multiple-choice options before time runs out. Difficulty levels adjust time limits and scoring, combining observation, spatial reasoning, and climate data interpretation.

Super Strategic Mode — An advanced extension of Strategic Mode introducing bonus cards and event-based gameplay. At the start of each match, players receive random special abilities that can be used once per game during dedicated “Event Time” phases. These abilities can modify gameplay by revealing information, blocking actions, changing indicators, swapping cards, or stealing points. This mode adds deeper strategy, interaction, and unpredictability to each round.

Game Types

Choose who you play against:

  • Solo — Go head-to-head against a bot (Desty) in a private game.

  • Multiplayer — Challenge 2-4 players in a private game (you can play with friends).

  • Random Match — Instantly match with other players for public matchmaking. Plays with 2 players unless you specify otherwise.

Setup

The starting player is randomly selected (for multiplayer games).

The cards are shuffled and split evenly among all players.

Card Types

  • City Cards — Represent specific cities with city-level climate and demographic data

  • NUTS-3 Region Cards — Represent larger administrative regions (provinces) with regional climate and socio-economic indicators

  • Forest Cards — Represent forest locations with specialized forest-related data

Each card shows a satellite image and climate statistics for that location.

Available Indicators

Climate Indicators:

  • Average Temperature (°C)

  • Total Precipitation (mm)

  • Tropical Nights (count)

  • Cloud Cover (%)

  • Wind Speed (km/h)

  • Snowfall (cm)

  • Dry Days (count)

  • Rainy days (count)

  • Sunny Days (count)

  • Snowy Days (count)

  • Stormy Days (count)

  • Heatwaves (count)

  • Heavy Precipitation Days (count)

  • Frost Days (count)

Demographic Indicators:

  • Population (count)

  • Population Density (per km²)

  • Median Age (years)

  • Electric Vehicle Stock (%)

Geographic Forest Indicators:

  • Forest Area (km2)

  • Forest Cover (%)

  • Elevation (m)

How to play a round (Classic Mode)

  1. Draw Phase: Everyone reveals the top card from their deck

  2. Selection Phase: The current player chooses:

    • An indicator to compare (e.g., Average Temperature)

    • The winning direction (higher value OR lower value wins)

  3. Reveal & Score: All players reveal their card’s value for that indicator

  4. Determine Winner: The player with the extreme value (highest or lowest) wins the round

  5. Earn Points: All players win points at each turn depending of the power of their card and their indicator.

⏳ Players have 50 seconds to choose an indicator (or 25 seconds in fast mode). If no choice is made, the system auto-selects one.

Scoring Details

Points are calculated using a logarithmic scale that considers both:

  • Your card’s value relative to all other cards

  • The indicator’s value range across the deck

This means:

  • Extreme values (very high or very low) score more points

  • Middle-range values score fewer points

Tie Handling: If multiple players have the same winning value, all tied players win! The played cards are shuffled and distributed equally among all winners.

How to play a round (Strategic Mode)

  1. Selection Phase: All players simultaneously select a card from their hand (you cannot see other players’ choices) Each indicator on the card is assigned a risk level:

  • 🟢 Safe bet — low risk, small bonus (+40 pts)

  • 🟡 Medium bet — moderate risk, moderate bonus (+100 pts)

  • 🔴 Strong bet — high risk, high bonus (+200 pts)

  1. Reveal: All cards are revealed at the same time

  2. Scoring:

    • The player with the highest value for the chosen indicator wins and receives base points + bonus points

    • All other players receive bonus points only (even losers score!)

    • Risk-level classification (Low/Medium/High risk) affects base points

  3. Discard & Refill: Used cards are discarded, and players refill their hand from the deck

Key Difference: Strategic mode is simultaneous and gives points to all players each round, making it a more complex strategic experience.

How to play a round (Beat Desty Mode)

  1. Desty card display: Desty’s card that will be used for the round is displayed (with hidden indicator values).

  2. Selection Phase: All players simultaneously choose one indicator from their card that they believe can beat Desty’s card.

  3. Reveal: Once everyone has validated their choice, indicators of Desty’s card are revealed.

  4. Result: Players see whether or not they have beaten Desty’s card, as well as the leaderboard of top players and the number of points they have earned.

⏳ Players have 30 seconds to choose their card before the round is automatically validated.

Key Difference: Instead of competing directly against one another, every player competes against the same hidden card played by Desty, making this mode ideal for classroom competitions and large groups.

How to play a round (GeoClimate Quiz Mode)

  1. Observation Phase: A mystery card is displayed showing a satellite image and climate indicators. The location name and country remain hidden.

  2. Selection Phase: 4 possible locations are presented. Select the one you believe matches the displayed information.

  3. Reveal: Once an answer is submitted (or the timer expires), the correct location is revealed.

  4. Scoring: Correct answers award points based on the selected difficulty level. Incorrect answers result in a score penalty. A speed bonus is awarded for answering quickly.

Difficulty Levels:

  • 🟢 Beginner — 25 seconds (+100 / −25 pts)

  • 🟡 Intermediate — 12 seconds (+200 / −50 pts)

  • 🔴 Expert — 6 seconds (+400 / −100 pts)

⚡ Speed Bonus: Remaining Time × 10

Key Difference: GeoClimate Quiz mode focuses on observation, geographical reasoning, and the interpretation of Earth Observation data rather than direct player competition.

How to play a round (Super Strategic Mode)

  1. Indicator Reveal: Desty announces the indicator that will be played during the round.

  2. Event Time: Before selecting a card, players may activate one of their available bonus cards.

Available bonus cards:

  • 👁️ Reveal — Reveal the selected indicator on one of your cards.

  • 🛡️ Block — Cancel an opponent’s bonus card.

  • 🔥 Double Down — Double your points for the round.

  • 🔄 Trade — Exchange one of your cards with another player’s card.

  • 🔁 Swap — Exchange your entire hand with another player’s hand.

  • 📈 Streak — Increase your score multiplier for consecutive wins.

  • 🔀 Change — Replace the announced indicator with another one.

  • 🎯 Steal — Steal all points earned by one opponent during the round.

  1. Selection Phase: All players simultaneously choose one card from their hand and select their desired risk level.

  2. Reveal: All selected cards are revealed simultaneously.

  3. Scoring: Base points are calculated as in Strategic Mode. Risk bonuses are applied. Bonus card effects are resolved according to their activation.

  4. Discard & Refill: Played cards are discarded, and players draw new cards to refill their hand.

⏳ Players have 30 seconds to use a bonus card (optional) and select their card.

Key Difference: Super Strategic Mode introduces an additional tactical layer through one-time bonus abilities, creating more interaction, unpredictability, and strategic depth than the standard Strategic Mode.

Continuing the Game

Play continues for multiple rounds depending on the number of players:

  • Classic mode:

    • 6 rounds for 1, 2 & 3 players

    • 8 rounds for 4 players

  • Strategic mode: 6 rounds

  • Beat Desty mode: 6 rounds

  • GeoClimate Quiz mode: 6 rounds

  • Super Strategic mode: 6 rounds

Each round updates the scoreboard, tracking everyone’s progress.

💡 At any time, players can see their current score and the number of rounds left.

Eliminations

A player is eliminated if they disconnect and do not reconnect (the game ends if only one player remains). When players are eliminated, only active players continue playing. Their scores are finalized.

Disconnections

If a player temporarily disconnects:

  • Their game state is preserved for a short period

  • If they reconnect quickly, they can resume playing

  • If they don’t reconnect, they are eliminated and the game continues

If a player permanently leaves:

  • They are removed from the game

  • Their score is set to 0 for leaderboard purposes

  • If only 1 player remains, the game ends immediately

Winning the Game

The game ends when:

  • The maximum number of rounds is reached (6 or 8 depending on player count), OR

  • If only 1 player remains (all other players are disconnected)

Final Ranking:

  • Whoever has the highest score is crowned the champion

  • If multiple players have the same top score, they all share the victory

  • Eliminated or disconnected players are ranked below active players

  • Disconnected players’ scores are recorded as 0

Leaderboard

After each game, final rankings are displayed showing:

  • Player rankings sorted by score (highest to lowest)

  • Player names/nicknames

  • Final scores for that game

Persistent Leaderboards: Your scores are automatically saved to:

  • Daily Leaderboard — Top scores from today

  • All-Time Leaderboard — Top scores since the game launched

  • Statistics separated by game mode

Tips & Notes

Tutorial:

  • A dynamic tutorial (for the Classic mode) starts at the beginning of your first click on ‘New game’ button

  • You can replay it anytime from the main menu by selecting “Restart Tutorial”

  • Strategic mode has its own tutorial for learning the advanced rules

Game Timing:

  • Classic solo: ~2-4 minutes

  • Classic 2-3 player match: ~5-6 minutes

  • Classic 4-player match: ~7-8 minutes

  • Strategic: Varies (simultaneous play, typically 6-10 minutes)

  • Beat Desty: Varies (simultaneous play, typically 6-10 minutes)

  • GeoClimate Quiz solo: ~2-4 minutes

  • Super Strategic: Varies (simultaneous play, typically 6-10 minutes)

Data Sources:

  • All indicators are from open-source European datasets (DestinE Climate DT, Eurostat, OpenStreetMap)

  • Satellite images from European Space Agency, Copernicus, and Alia Space (DestinE NUPSI service)

  • Data represents current climate projections and statistics

Browser Compatibility:

  • Works on desktop and mobile devices

  • Requires modern browser with WebSocket support

  • ⚠️ Apple Users: iCloud Private Relay interferes with WebSockets

    • To fix: Settings → Privacy → Relay and VPN → Toggle iCloud Private Relay off

    • Then refresh and try again

Performance Tips:

  • Use a wired or strong WiFi connection for best gameplay experience

  • Close other browser tabs to reduce lag

  • Disable browser extensions that might interfere with WebSockets

Customization Features (for logged-in users)

Create your own personalized decks and cards using DestinE account credentials.

Create Personalized Cards

Search and create new cards for:

  • Cities — Any city in European Union with OpenStreetMap data

  • NUTS-3 Regions — European administrative regions (provinces)

Each card is automatically enriched with:

  • Satellite imagery from Copernicus, ESA, or Alia Space

  • Climate indicators from DestinE Climate Digital Twin, EarthDataHub and HDA

  • Demographic data from Eurostat (for NUTS-3 regions cards)

Build Personalized Decks

Requirements for a playable deck:

  • Minimum 24 cards to mark a deck complete

  • Minimum 4 indicators to play

  • Select from your created cards and the community library

  • Choose specific indicators for your deck

Decks can be:

  • Private — Only you can play with them

  • Public — Other users can discover and play with them

  • Shared with your tenant — Can be discovered by other players from the same DestinE Tenancy

Design Personalized Indicators

Create custom climate indicators by specifying:

  • Variable — Which climate metric (temperature, precipitation, etc.)

  • Temporal Resolution — Annual or monthly averages

  • Year — From 2020 to 2039

  • Month — For monthly metrics (optional)

Creation Process

  1. Card/Deck Creation:

    • Click “Card library” from the main menu, then click “Add a card”

    • Click “Deck library” from the main menu, then click “Create a new Deck”

  2. Processing Time: Takes a few minutes to compute climate data and generate satellite imagery

  3. Notification: You’ll receive an in-game notification when your assets are ready

  4. Usage: Once ready, use them in any game type (Solo, Multiplayer, Random Match)

Storage & Sharing

  • Your decks are stored on your account

  • Private decks are only accessible to you

  • Public decks can be discovered by other players from the deck browser

  • Tenant decks can be discovered by other players from the same DestinE Tenancy

Reward system

Earth Pulse includes a reward system designed to encourage long-term engagement and active participation across all game modes.

Players earn coins through core platform activities such as playing games, creating cards, and building decks, with 5 coins awarded per action.

These coins contribute to a tiered badge system including:

  • Bronze: 20 coins

  • Silver: 50 coins

  • Gold: 100 coins

  • Platinum: 200 coins

  • Diamond: 500 coins

The system is fully integrated into the player experience, with a dedicated personal dashboard for tracking progress, real-time notifications when coins are earned, and visual pop-ups when new badges are unlocked.

Badges appear in the overall leaderboard, reinforcing competition and long-term engagement across the platform.

Statistics Dashboard

Access the statistics dashboard from the main menu to view live game data and insights:

Real-Time Statistics

  • Ongoing Games — Number of active games right now

  • Active Players — Players currently playing

  • Daily Games — Games played today vs. total all-time

  • Daily Players — Unique players today vs. total all-time

  • Cards & Decks — Total cards in database and complete playable decks

  • Reward distribution — Number of users per badge type

Game Analytics

  • Games Trend — Evolution of game count over the last 14 days (line graph)

  • Game Type & Game Mode Distribution

  • Score Trends — Average score evolution over the last 30 days

Leaderboards

  • Top 5 Highest Scores — Individual game records (separated by game type)

  • Top 5 Best Average Scores — Your average performance across all games (separated by game type)

  • Rankings updated automatically after each game

Data Sources

This game combines multiple european open data sources to provide accurate climate and demographic information:

Climate Data

Indicator

Source

Temperature

DestinE Climate Digital Twin (from CacheB) & DestinE Streamer / ERA5 Dataset

Precipitation, Snowfall, Wind Speed, Cloud Cover

DestinE Climate Digital Twin (from CacheB)

Tropical Nights, Heatwaves, Dry/Rainy/Sunny/Snowy/Stormy/Frost/Heavy precipitation Days

Computed from DestinE Climate DT data

All climate data represents annual averages for 2039 (future climate projection) unless otherwise specified. Historical ERA5 data available for comparison.

Geographic Data

Information

Source

City/Region names, coordinates

OpenStreetMap (OSM)

Bounding boxes for satellite images

OpenStreetMap via Nominatim/Overpass APIs

Administrative boundaries

OpenStreetMap

Elevation

DEM from DestinE EarthDataHub

Forest Cover

Tree cover density from DestinE HDA

Forest Area

Local sources

Socio-Economic Data

Indicator

Source

Population

OpenStreetMap & Eurostat NUTS-3 data

Population Density

Eurostat NUTS-3 data

Median Age

Eurostat NUTS-3 data

Electric Vehicle Stock

Eurostat NUTS-2 data

Satellite Imagery

Images are sourced from multiple providers:

  • European Space Agency (ESA) — Earth from Space collection

  • Copernicus Sentinel-2(ESA) — Satellite imagery

  • DestinE NUPSI service (Alia Space) — High-resolution images

References

Accessibility

Sienna Accessibility Widget

The game includes the Sienna Accessibility Widget with features for:

Content Adjustments

  • Highlight Title: Emphasizes headings for better content structure visibility

  • Highlight Links: Makes all links more visible and easier to identify

  • Dyslexia Font: Switches to a dyslexia-friendly typeface for improved readability

  • Letter Spacing: Adjusts spacing between characters to reduce reading strain

  • Font Weight: Increases or decreases text thickness for better clarity

Color Adjustments

  • Dark Contrast: Applies a dark mode with enhanced contrast for low-light use

  • Light Contrast: Softens contrast for a more comfortable light theme

  • High Contrast: Maximizes contrast for accessibility and readability

  • High Saturation: Boosts color intensity for clearer visual separation

  • Low Saturation: Reduces color intensity to limit visual overload

  • Monochrome: Removes colors for a simplified grayscale interface

Tools

  • Reading Guide: Displays a guide line or focus aid to help track reading flow

  • Stop Animations: Disables motion effects to reduce distraction or motion sensitivity

  • Big Cursor: Enlarges the cursor for easier tracking and navigation

Mobile Accessibility

  • Game is responsive on mobile devices

  • Touch controls for card selection

  • Optimized for phones

Troubleshooting

Gameplay Issues

Problem

Solution

WebSocket connection errors

Disable iCloud Private Relay (Apple), check internet connection, refresh page

Game freezes or lags

Close other browser tabs, disable extensions, use wired connection

Cards not updating

Refresh browser, clear cache, or create new room

Score not saving

Ensure game completed fully, check internet connection during game end

Can’t select indicator

Ensure you’re the active player, check if 55-second timer expired

Deck & Cards Issues

Problem

Solution

“Deck incomplete” error

Add more cards (minimum 24) and indicators (minimum 4) to your deck

Cards taking too long

Card creation involves downloading satellite imagery and computing climate data (may take 5-10 minutes); check notifications

Deck not appearing

Public decks must be in “Ready” status; private decks need 24+ cards and 4+ indicators

Missing indicators

Some indicators may not be available for your region; try different years/locations

Account & Login

Problem

Solution

Can’t log in

Check DestinE credentials, ensure account is activated, try clearing browser cache

Session timeout

Session refreshes automatically every 60 seconds; if issues persist, log out and back in

Lost customizations

All changes auto-save; if not syncing, log out and back in to refresh

Browser Issues

Problem

Solution

Audio not working

Check browser audio permissions and volume settings

Images not loading

Check internet connection, disable ad blockers, clear cache

Responsive/layout broken

Ensure browser zoom is at 100%, try different browser

Getting Help

  • In-Game Help — Click the “?” icon or access the tutorial from the main menu

  • Report Issues — Use the feedback form in the game settings menu

  • Contact Support — Visit the DestinE platform support page

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Gameplay

Q: How is the score calculated?
 A: Classic mode uses a logarithmic formula based on how extreme your card’s value is compared to all other cards. Strategic mode combines the classic scoring system and risk-level bonus scoring.

Q: What happens if I disconnect?
 A: If you disconnect, your spot is held briefly. If you reconnect quickly, you can resume. If you don’t reconnect, you’re eliminated.

Q: Can I play with friends?
 A: Yes! Use Multiplayer mode and share your room ID with friends.

Q: What makes Strategic mode different?
 A: Strategic mode has simultaneous card selection and risk-based scoring instead of pure value-based scoring.

Cards & Decks

Q: Can I use the Default deck?
 A: Yes! The Default deck is available to all players. You can also create your own decks if you’re logged in.

Q: How many cards do I need for a deck?
 A: Minimum 24 cards and 32 cards for 4-player games.

Q: Can other players see my private deck?
 A: No. Private decks are only accessible to you. Public decks are visible to all players.

Q: How long does it take to create a card?
 A: Card creation takes 5-15 minutes depending on satellite image processing and climate data computation.

Technical

Q: What browser should I use?
 A: Any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) with WebSocket support.

Q: Do I need a DestinE account to play?
 A: No. You can play as a visitor. An account is needed for customization features (card & deck creation).

Q: Can I play offline?
 A: No. The game requires a constant internet connection for WebSocket communication.

License

This game is free, developed by ATOS for ESA DestinE.
 Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (see the LICENCE.txt file in the repository).