Level up your math skills with Times Trials: an anime block-dropping puzzle game by Arc-Fy.
Times Trials: The Anime Math Puzzle Game
Practice Math or Compete with Friends!
Have you had trouble getting your child to learn math? Have they struggled with basic equations or been frustrated by the pace of lesson plans in school?
The best way to learn math is by doing math. Times Trials is a puzzle game that encourages kids to step out of the basic x + y = z equation format and into another dimension.
Players arrange numbers in rows or columns to solve for a common answer (like finding combinations equaling 10, 30, or 60). Once a player reaches the correct number, the blocks disappear and the game continues until the player gets buried under the blocks or closes out the level.
Times Trials targets each student's skill level for an ideal learning experience that feels like play. Kids can't get enough of this habit-forming game, which exercises problem-solving abilities without the pressure of structured lessons.
Team Arc-Fy
Let’s Co-Develop A Better Way to Learn Math
Team Arc-Fy created Times Trials as a collaboration between designers, developers, illustrators, multi-media experts, strategists, PR pros, parents, educators, and children. It's our mission to co-develop a math learning game that elementary and middle-school kids will want to play.
Here’s how making learning fun could aid in math proficiency:
Absorption: Video games can help equations become second nature, with no rote memorization required.
Motivation: The motivation of the game is two-fold. Kids with math anxiety can watch their score increase during solo play. For kids who love to compete, there's always someone else to challenge.
Focus: Times Trials draws kids in, making it easier to learn and flex their problem-solving skills without the pressure.
The Challenges of Hooking Kids on Math
Times Trials is the Solution
Recent statistics from the National Assessment of Educational Progress reveal a troubling trend: just 26% of eighth graders are proficient in math following pandemic lockdowns. The good news is that 46% of kids currently enjoy math, but there are concerns that this could change as students fall behind.
Kids can get frustrated when they can't keep up with grade level expectations, and this may be compounded by the fact that 44% of students have heard adults in their lives say “I hate math.” Stanford research indicates a positive attitude towards math predicts achievement in the subject, so changing the narrative around math is critical.
We want to redefine how kids learn math–and give adults something to love about it again.
Times Trials offers an innovative, competitive spin on educational gaming. We keep math anxiety at bay by avoiding intimidating equations on-screen, and our competitive modes give kids and adults a fun way to bond over practicing math skills. With Times Trials, kids can build math fluency without it ever feeling like homework.
Times Trials also aligns with the United Nations' goals for inclusive and equitable access to education. Remote accessibility and digital availability mean Times Trials fits seamlessly into classrooms and homes alike.
Why We’re Different
Strategize, Solve, and Succeed
Times Trials reinforces how elementary and middle schools teach the basics of arithmetic, including multiplication, subtraction, addition, and division. Kids have to quickly solve equations to clear rows and columns and earn points.
Times Trials was built after co-development discussions with parents, educators, and kids. Times Trials helps kids practice and gain confidence. With friendly anime characters and customizable modes, Times Trials can be tailored to meet your child's specific needs. It’s strategy times fun!
At Arc-Fy, we believe that math could also be more engaging with a competitive angle. In Player Vs. Player (PvP) mode, players can challenge each other. This gentle friction makes the game more meaningful and more memorable. When 55% of kids have their own computer or tablet and 90% of kids use computers, we want kids to come away from their experience with better problem-solving skills.
Meet Your New Math Friends!
Norio
Loves: baseball
Hates: owls
Norio loves playing baseball and is a Class President candidate. Norio was encouraged to join the race for class presidency because of his popularity at school and leadership skills on the baseball team. He needs to study hard if he wants to win the next math tournament against Yuki!
Yuki
Loves: snow
Hates: cherries
Yuki is the current Class President and a true math whiz! Yuki's journey to the top of the class began with her extraordinary math skills, making her a two-time reigning champion in the school-wide math tournament.
Creator’s Story
Practice, Learn, Grow
My name's Dennis! I'm a software developer in the education space, and I wanted to put a twist on how kids learn math. The spark for Times Trials was to make practice a little more provocative and a lot more fun. I played so many math games growing up, and they were all really meaningful to me. I want to pay that forward to future generations.
Box Up the Answers
Who can play Times Trials?
Anyone can play Times Trials on the platform of their choosing! It's great for kids and parents alike, but we see it vibing the most with elementary school and middle school students. Easy to learn and addictive, you can switch up the game with customizable modes. As kids sharpen their skills, the game gets more challenging.
What math functions does Times Trials support?
Right now, it's the basics of arithmetic: multiplication, division, subtraction, and addition.
Why is being good at math important?
Strong math abilities can open up many opportunities for your child. In fact, one study showed that a single standard deviation higher on a math test could equate to about $10k more per year in income!
But math fluency is more than just job preparation; it strengthens daily life skills, too. Managing finances, following recipes, tackling home repairs, analyzing data… math is everywhere!
When students develop strong math skills, they gain problem-solving abilities and build confidence that transfers to school, work, and beyond.
How can kids compete with friends in Times Trials?
Times Trials is currently designed for in-person play in PvP mode to promote a shared gaming experience. Depending on player demand, we may consider exploring online play in the future.
Is it true you have your own orchestra for the soundtrack?
We’re so excited about the soundtrack we have in the works! We want to infuse Times Trials with all of the excitement of classic arcade rhythm games.
To do just that, we've enlisted the famous talent of Osamu Kubota and the gaQdan orchestra to transform math into a true symphony.
Can Times Trials be used in schools or classrooms?
We’re currently testing the game for classrooms. Please reach out if you’d like to see Times Trials in your local school!
How long does it take to complete all the levels in Times Trials?
We’re currently planning for 60 levels of Times Trials, which is over 180 minutes of gameplay. Want even more of a challenge? Once you’ve completed all levels, you can work to improve your scores and take on friends in PvP mode.
How can I play Times Trials? We're still hard at work on Times Trials. For now, you can play the demo, add us to your wishlist on Steam, and support us on Kickstarter coming soon!