Xiwen Li¹ and Emmanuel Bruce Loh², ¹USA, ²California State Polytechnic University, USA

Marine ecosystems face escalating threats from climate change and pollution, yet conservation awareness remains low, especially among neurodivergent learners who are often excluded from environmental education. This paper introduces DeepBlueQuest, an adaptive game that blends marine biology with cognitive accessibility. Designed in Unity and grounded in cognitive science, the game features interactive missions, simplified visual storytelling, and dynamic sensory feedback. Two experiments confirmed improved focus and scientific retention among neurodivergent players using adaptive and icon-based systems. Compared with existing tools, DeepBlueQuest fills a critical gap in inclusive conservation education. Though improvements like emotional AI integration and multilingual content remain future goals, the system already demonstrates how technology can bridge ecological urgency with learning equity. This approach empowers a broader audience to understand and protect our oceans.

Marine Conservation, Environmental Education, Neurodiversity, Game-Based Learning, Accessible Design