From trigger to treasure: The story of Apollo
Somewhere in the Netherlands, 15 years ago, two lecturers at NHTV (now BUAS) sat in a crowded room, filled with anticipation. Leo Kemps and Maarten van Rijn shared a passion for optimizing logistic processes, which at that time were primarily focused on physical flows. As they listened attentively to an enthusiastic trainer speaking about the potential of digital systems to improve business processes, Leo and Maarten began to envision a world where perfectly aligned physical, financial, and information flows would flow through an entire supply chain, from raw materials all the way to the satisfied customers and back. Leo was determined to apply the concept of “learning by doing.” He believed that a realistic simulation game, where students could devise tactics, apply teamwork, and gain valuable experience in a playful manner, was the ideal way to achieve this goal.
And thus, Blokko was born! This game quickly became an unforgettable success among first-year logistics students at NHTV. During the three-hour gameplay, students enthusiastically raced through the building as if their lives depended on it. They experimented and engaged with all the dynamics within the supply chain, experiencing both its complexity and enjoyment. Research confirmed that experiential learning was the most powerful way to acquire knowledge. With advancing technological developments, Blokko continued to evolve, thanks to the dedication of its developers.
And so, Apollo emerged!
What began as a physical game with papers and Excel documents gradually evolved into a fully automated ecosystem where digital innovations played an increasingly prominent role. However, the physical flow always remained paramount. Today, Apollo is more than just a game. It is an integrated physical and digital game system, specifically designed for first-year logistics students in higher education. It consists of two parts:
On the website, students can access all the game rules, details, and the learning process. They are encouraged to actively participate in the game, learning about complex logistics processes and developing strategies to optimize them in a playful manner.
The Game Engine itself. This comprehensive digital ecosystem simulates end-to-end processes and events in the supply chain. The game is entirely event-driven. A vast amount of data is collected during gameplay – before, during, and after. This data provides valuable insights and promotes the creation of new knowledge. No two games are the same! The outcomes are determined by the collective efforts of all players.
Active learning and development
Apollo offers a unique learning and development environment, where students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also enhance their problem-solving skills and collaboration. Through playful learning, they discover the intricacies of logistics processes and experience the satisfaction of finding innovative solutions. Apollo fosters active engagement in the learning process and provides a safe space to experiment and make mistakes, ultimately leading to valuable learning experiences and fresh insights.
As game developers, we are never done. Each time the game is played, we gain new insights. Based on the needs of students, industry partners, and global developments, we continuously work on refining the game, ensuring that Apollo delivers the ultimate supply chain experience centered around playful learning.