UPDATE: We initially reported the amount given as $25,000. We have now corrected this to $250,000.
Ndemic Creations have announced they have given $250,000 to fight the coronavirus outbreak, and are working on a new game mode for Plague Inc. to allow players to fight off pandemics.
Speaking on their official website, Ndemic Creation states that thanks to players, they had made $250,000- to be “split between the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the World Health Organisation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.”
James Vaughn, the creator of Plague Inc. stated the following. “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.”
In fact, Ndemic Creations released a prior statement at the beginning of the outbreak, stating that “whenever there is an outbreak of disease we see an increase in players, as people seek to find out more about how diseases spread and to understand the complexities of viral outbreaks.”
While they stated the game was realistic, informative, and recognized by the CDC; players should remember that it is a game. “Plague Inc. is a game, not a scientific model and that the current coronavirus outbreak is a very real situation which is impacting a huge number of people. We would always recommend that players get their information directly from local and global health authorities.”
The CEO of CEPI, Dr. Richard Hatchett, expressed his gratitude for the donation.
“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.”
The President & CEO of the UN Foundation Elizabeth Cousens also gave her thoughts. “In this unprecedented pandemic with unprecedented needs, global cooperation is more important than ever. I am so thankful to Ndemic Creations’ contribution to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Their donation will support the World Health Organization’s lifesaving work.”
Ndemic Creations also stated that donations to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund are open to all. “We will soon be promoting the response fund directly in game for players who may want to offer their financial support to the WHO.”
In addition, Ndemic Creations state that Plague Inc. will be “accelerating work” on a new game mode, where players can combat the outbreak of a disease. The game mode will also be developed alongside experts in pandemic prevention.
“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 World Health Organisation, 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.”
The coronavirus (also known as COVID-19 officially, or Chinese Flu to others) has affected many worldwide, from businesses to public gatherings and events. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].
This includes the postponement of GDC, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, along with the cancellation of E3 2020. At this time, Gamescom 2020 is still being prepared, with organizers monitoring local regulations and the virus’ spread.
The Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering are mapping the virus’ spread [1, 2]. As of this time of writing, there have been over 741,000 confirmed cases worldwide, and over 35,000 deaths. Over 156,800 people have made a “total recovery.”
Earlier, we reported on the game being pulled from Chinese mobile stores due to “content that is illegal in China.“
Plague Inc. is available on Android, and iOS. Plague Inc: Evolved is available on Windows PC (via Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Image: Steam
