Sudden Knowledge! (Plötzlich Wissen!), a science communication format established through
our own initiative as scientists, implemented science communication in a spontaneous
conversational setting. It combined elements of guerilla science/street science, science busking
and pub science events. Between 2017 and 2020 the project - centered on marine science -
was presented in 16 major German cities. This novel approach, using puppetry and hands-on
experiments sparked interest in science and reached non-academic audiences. During the
COVID19-pandemic, the format transitioned to online livestreaming on the platform twitch.tv,
using video games as entry points for conversations about marine sciences. Between 2020 and
2024 we performed 55 livestreams. Here we outline the development of the format, share
evaluation data and our experiences. Our main goal is to provide practical recommendations for
scientists who are interested in using informal, guerilla style approaches to reach audiences
who might not be reached by traditional science communication strategies.