ARIN-561 is a game-based learning environment for helping high school students develop a basic understanding of the foundational concepts of artificial intelligence. In the game, the student plays as a space-faring scientist that crash-lands onto a mysterious planet, named ARIN-561. In order to safely return home, the scientist begins exploring the planet to gather resources needed to repair the broken ship while uncovering the mystery of the planet. As the player completes various tasks around the planet, they are introduced to different AI concepts through visual and interactive tutorials.

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ARIN-561 is a built on Unity  and accessible via a web browser. Current implementation of the ARIN-561 game focuses on developing concepts around classical search algorithms. The essential concepts such as space and time complexity also lend opportunities to connect math knowledge familiar to high school students and AI concepts that are usually taught in higher education. The integrated educational content in ARIN-561 leverages this opportunity by support students application of math knowledge to the evaluation of each algorithm as they progress through the learning goals.

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​The research and development  of ARIN-561 was supported by the National Science Foundation of the United States. The game has been piloted in science, math, and computer science classrooms. ARIN-561 was selected by the Serious Games Showcase  and Challenge committee at the 2022 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference. I/ITSEC is the world's largest modeling, simulation and training event. During the conference, the game was awarded the Students'  Choice Award.