Plague Inc. Is Developing New Game Mode Where You Save The World

Now doesn't really feel like the apposite time to play Plague Inc. - a game in which you create a virus with the objective of eradicating the human race.

It's just as well then that developers Ndemic Creations have decided to flip the 2012 game on its head by making a mode where your mission is to save the world from a deadly disease outbreak.

Ndemic Creations

The game mode is being developed with the help of experts at the World Health Organisation (WHO), which has received a share of a $250,000 (£212,740) donation from Ndemic Creations, to be split between its Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund and the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

James Vaughan, creator of Plague Inc., said: "Eight years ago, I never imagined the real world would come to resemble a game of Plague Inc. or that so many players would be using Plague Inc. to help them get through an actual pandemic.

"We are proud to be able to help support the vital work of the WHO and CEPI as they work towards finding a vaccine for Covid-19."

Elaborating on the inspiration for the new game mode and what it will entail, Ndemic Creations said: "When arranging our donations with the WHO and CEPI, we were repeatedly asked if we could make a game which let the player work to stop an outbreak. Therefore, as well as providing financial support, we are accelerating work on a new Plague Inc. game mode which lets players save the world from a deadly disease outbreak.

"Players will have to balance managing disease progression and boosting healthcare systems as well as controlling real-world actions such as triaging, quarantining, social distancing and closing of public services. We are developing this game mode with the help of experts from the WHO, the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network and more.

"The new update will be free for all players during the pandemic and we will share more information as soon as we can."

Ndemic Creations

Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, praised the studio and said games could play a part in fighting the pandemic.

He said: "We are delighted that Ndemic Creations have so generously contributed to our crucial vaccine development work, especially as we tackle the unprecedented challenge of Covid-19.

"Games have an important role in raising awareness of the challenges the world is currently facing. Only through a concerted, global response - with the private sector working together with governments and philanthropies, pooling resources and expertise - can we hope to stop such emerging epidemic threats."

Let's all bring some positivity, support and fun to anyone who might find themselves in isolation as a result of the coronavirus spread. Need some entertainment? Join Isolation Nation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coronasupport/

Topics: Coronavirus

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey