WolfQuest

WolfQuest is a 3D wildlife simulation video game by the Minnesota Zoo and game developer company Eduweb. The demo was released on October 31, 2007. On December 21, 2007 it was released as a free downloadable game for Macintosh and Windows computers. The official deluxe version was released on April 23, 2008. There is a second episode of the game called Slough Creek, which was released on January 1, 2010.

NSF Grant
On September 2006, The National Science Foundation has awarded the Minnesota Zoo and Eduweb a USD$508,253 informal education grant to develop WolfQuest. This makes it the first video game funded by the National Science Foundation, under grant number 0610427.

Gameplay
Gameplay is divided into single player and multiplayer. In single player, the player must survive as a dispersal grey wolf in Yellowstone National Park. To do so they must hunt elk and hares, or feed off elk carcasses. They must also avoid dangers from grizzly bears and the male elk themselves. However, it is possible to fight off the bears by chasing them. They have the option to find a mate, which, when successful, will follow and aid the player throughout the rest of the game.

When creating their wolf character, players are free to choose the gender, pelage coloration, stats, and name of their wolf. There are five different pelts to choose from (black, sable, timber, white and gray), with two sliders that let players change the tints of the guard hairs and undercoat of the wolf. Just like real wolves, males are larger in size than females. The maximum strength for males is also higher than that of females.

In multiplayer, the objectives are the same with two exceptions. The player co-operates with a maximum of 5 wolves including themselves and they can have no mate. (Regardless, many players still say that other players are their mates. Wolfquest does not support this kind of behavior.)  Also in multiplayer players can instant chat but the chat box blocks all words except common English words. Things like numbers and swear words are not allowed. Adult content is also blocked and not allowed. Players in multiplayer can start rallies and hunt bull Elk. Bull Elk have more meat than female Elk and are many times harder to kill. Players may bite Elk in the neck or back legs while hunting. Many players also choose out "den sites" on the Amethyst Mountain map; these consist of clumps of trees, hills, ditches, or rocks usually. Players RP and take up roles as lone wolves or mother wolves and pretend to have pups or territories in multiplayer.

WolfQuest Episode 2 Slough Creek
The sequel of WolfQuest: Amethyst Mountain, WolfQuest: Slough Creek was released on January 1, 2010 at 11:30 CMT as part of "Survival of the Pack". In this new addition, players and their mates search for a den to raise pups. When they accomplish that part of the mission, they must mark territory, defend it from stranger wolves, and ensure the pups survival from predators and starvation. Giant eagles soar the skies and ravenous bears roam the earth, posing a new threat to young pups; however, several ravens will circle around a carcass, giving players a slight advantage for finding food. At the end, you, your mate, and your surviving pups must make a journey for the summer den in the Douglas Fir Forests.

In the game, players have the opportunity (though not a mandatory option) to raid a cattle ranch for extra food in the Night Mission. The player sneaks around in the dark at a cow ranch, and searches for the calf to kill and feed to his/her pups. However, doing so is extremely dangerous and can result in being shot.

Amethyst Mountain and Slough Creek are included in the Slough Creek download, so installing or uninstalling Amethyst Mountain is unnecessary.

Awards
WolfQuest won a few awards at Unite 2008, a developer's conference. WolfQuest received Special Recognition Awards in two different categories, Best Serious Game and Best Multiplayer.