From 2008–2011, the original Playpower team (directed by Derek Lomas, Daniel Rehn, Jeremy Douglass, and Don Miller) was focused on creating free educational computer software for low income families in India and other developing countries. The games were designed to run on 8-bit systems, using a processor that is in the public domain, which allows the games to be run on very low cost computers. This work earned and was supported by a MacArthur Digital Media and Learning Grant ($180,000) from 2009–2010.
Playpower now lives on as Playpower Labs, a Carnegie Mellon educational research initiative, is developing an online platform of web and mobile applications for students in grades K-8. Our tools are built on the principle that students who develop strong foundations in math and literacy will be prepared for a lifetime of learning.