Technopolis, the Flemish science center, wanted a showpiece that would excite visitors and make the world of chemistry both fun and accessible. Together with CREATE.eu, they brought the Mendeljev Game to life — an interactive installation where players literally step into a giant virtual periodic table.

On a giant screen, the Mendeljev Game turns chemistry into play: two players face off with lasers, shooting at everyday objects that break apart into their elemental building blocks. The 118 elements then fall into place within Mendeleev’s table, making the invisible world of chemistry both fun and tangible.

CREATE.eu designed a playful yet educational experience that combines:

• Large-scale immersion – players stand inside a virtual table of Mendeleev.
• Interactive competition – opponents face off, using lasers to shoot objects that break down into their elemental building blocks.
• Retro-inspired visuals – the design echoes the look and feel of the very first computer games, making it instantly engaging and familiar.

By blending science with gamification, the installation sparks curiosity in players of all ages — whether they are chemistry enthusiasts or complete newcomers.