Ndemic Creations are proud to announce that the World Health Organisation are using the globally popular video game Plague Inc: The Cure to help players stay safe, recognise misinformation and understand the importance of vaccination during COVID-19 pandemic.
A key part of this collaboration is a video where WHO and GOARN experts play through Plague Inc: The Cure alongside the game’s creators and compare it with public health management in real-life scenarios.
The experts are put to the test as they try to save the world by balancing public health measures, research and development, and social and economic factors in order to keep the disease under control, all while maintaining public trust. The game holds a mirror to nations everywhere, emphasizing the importance of vaccine research, manufacturing and distribution to mitigate outbreaks, as well as the need for global cooperation to accelerate development.
The video also showcases WHO COVID-19 safety messaging and prevention tips for players to take offline and use in their daily lives.
James Vaughan, the founder of Ndemic Creations said:
“Plague Inc: The Cure is an engaging and timely simulation which lets players explore the issues that humanity faces when trying to stop a global pandemic”
“It was extremely challenging to fit such a complex topic into a game but the input that experts from WHO, CEPI and elsewhere provided has been invaluable in ensuring that Plague Inc: The Cure is both educational and engaging”
“Eight years ago, I never imagined the real world would come to resemble a game of Plague Inc. or that my game would be in a position to help educate and inform people. Plague Inc. Evolved: The Cure will be free for all Plague Inc. players until COVID-19 is under control.”
Dr Paul Effler, member of the GOARN Steering Committee, said:
“GOARN was keen to contribute to developing ‘The Cure’ to help ensure the gaming experience accurately reflected the challenges and impact of implementing outbreak control measures in real-life. We see this as innovative means to reach new audiences and help them understand what’s required to successfully respond to a pandemic.”
Andy Pattison, Manager of Digital Channels for WHO said:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that everyone has a role to play when it comes to managing public health threats. Educating people through interactive games and simulations is a great way to keep communities informed and safe, especially amid widespread misinformation online.”
Plague Inc: The Cure is available now as a free update on iOS, Android and PC. It will be released on consoles in the future.
Plague Inc: The Cure is free for all Plague Inc. players until COVID-19 is under control.