Learn Python Text Analysis by Exploring an Interactive Crime Story Game
“At 03:17, a university high power computing node disappeared from the secure research cluster during an unauthorised maintenance window….The only item recovered was a corrupted USB stick found near the lab terminal. Intelligence believes the file contains the password to a suspect inbox…. Recover the password. Access the inbox. Decode the messages.”
What is NLP detective?
NLP detective is a humorous, immersive, terminal-based investigation game set inside a simulated computer operating system aimed at beginners in Python programming language and natural language processing (NLP). Players take on the role of an agent and use real Python code, terminal commands and NLP techniques to analyse messy, realistic text data such as emails, forums and files to find out whodunnit.
By cleaning, filtering and interpretating the data, players uncover clues, passwords and patterns that reveal the identity of the suspect that stole a high-power computing node from the university. Although the game uses fictional data, code excerpts can be used on real world data.
Why I made it
There is a wealth of online learning material for text analysis aimed at early-career data scientists, students and beginners. However, at times these tutorials can feel quite abstract, introducing python functions, file handling, CSVs, regular expressions and NLP concepts without giving learners the context of applying them to meaningful tasks.
I made NLP detective to bridge the gap between syntax-focused tutorials and applied text analysis practice, and to provide an accessible, fun way to learn text analysis through gameplay. Learners navigate a simulated operating system, uncovering clues in emails, files and forums that mirror real-world text data.
How to play
- Boot up the game on your laptop or PC.
Please note, this game is designed for laptops and desktops and will not work on a phone. - Log on and explore the OS system.
- For legibility you can toggle the dark/light theme.
- Check the email for tasks.
- Use the web browser to find guides on NLP and text analysis.
Still intimidated by text analysis?
If natural language processing and text analysis still feel intimidating, or your project needs more specialist support and NLP expertise, please contact the LIDA Data Analytics Team. We support researchers working with sensitive and confidential data, helping turn unstructured, messy text into useable intelligence. Contact [email protected] to discuss how we can support your project.
By Lydia Wharton
Data Scientist
LIDA Data Analytics Team
The Data Analytics Team are the in-house, technical LASER support at LIDA
The team provide end-to-end support from project conception to closure, and design personalised data environments tailored to your data and requirements. They are a team of dedicated specialists in data management, data analysis, software engineering and information governance, who collaborate with LIDA researchers across all stages of their projects and offer an in-house Trusted Research Environment (LASER).