# Educational VR Mapping Games 'Verne: The Himalayas' Teaches Kids About the Eastern Mountain Range By Joey Haar | Published 2016-08-03 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verne-the-himalayas References: [thenextweb](http://thenextweb.com/google/2016/08/03/google-built-an-adorable-maps-game-thats-not-pokemon-go/) & [play.google](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.withgoogle.verne) 'Verne: The Himalayas' is [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/be-internet-awesome-world) Maps' answer to the popularity of Pokemon Go. But rather than teaching kids about all the characters in a fictional universe, Google's new [VR app](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battle-orb) aims to provide information on real aspects of the mountain range that runs across Central Asia. In 'Verne: The Himalayas,' [kids play as the eponymous character](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/windy-weatherfoot-game), a 500-foot-tall yeti who adorably explores the region. Using Google Maps' 3D mapping technology, Verne can run through actual Himalayan topography. As kids run, hang-glide and jetpack their way around the region, they run into cartoon depictions of real animal species that they can learn about through interaction. The kids app is a great opportunity for children to engage with a format they already love and learn while doing it. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Educational VR Mapping Games:** Google's innovative VR app is leading the way for educational virtual reality gaming experiences. - **Interactive Learning for Kids:** The combination of interactive gaming and educational content is disrupting traditional methods of learning for children. - **Real-life Location-based Gaming:** Location-based gaming technology is expanding beyond the entertainment industry into educational tools for children with 'Verne: The Himalayas'. ### Where This Applies - **Edtech:** Educational technology is being revolutionized through the use of VR technology and real-life location-based gaming experiences. - **Video Games:** Video game companies have the opportunity to expand into the educational sector through the creation of interactive and educational games for children. - **Tourism:** 'Verne: The Himalayas' is just one of many potential location-based gaming experiences that could draw tourists to a new destination and enhance their travel experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Real-World Adventure Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scratch-earth.md) - [Mindful Virtual Reality Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maloka.md) - [Geography Guessing Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/topoguesser.md) - [Global Location Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earthguessr.md) - [AR-Enabled Kids Golf Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pga-jr-league-safari.md) - [Interactive Geography Learning](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geolearn.md) - [Immersive Language Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noun-town.md) - [Travel-Inspired VR Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/othersight.md) - [Internet Safety Metaverses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/be-internet-awesome-world.md)