It has recently been revealed that USAID was directly responsible for the creation of several mobile games, starting in 2012.

Thanks to the increased attention placed on USAID programs due to the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) audit of the federal government, we can now describe in detail at least three of these games: Family Choices, 9-Minutes, and Worm Attack! The official descriptions as found on the archived USAID file are as follows:

• Family Choices – Family Choices aims to enhance the perception of a girl’s place in and value to her family, with an emphasis on keeping her and her peers in school. The ‘Choose your own adventure’ game allows players to explore the outcomes of a family’s choices related to girls’ education, early marriage and family planning. Players decide whether Anu (in India) or Mercy (in Kenya) will ultimately achieve their dreams of someday becoming a financially independent nurse.
• 9-Minutes – Players experience the adventures of nine months of pregnancy in just nine minutes. The game aims to introduce players to the key dos and don’ts of pregnancy by presenting players with a series of life choices (physical, medical and social) against the clock in a simple iconic format. The player’s choices determine the health and well-being of both the mother and baby. 
• Worm Attack! – Worm Attack! aims to keep girls and boys healthy by defeating the dangerous worms inside their stomachs. Young players, their teachers and families work to rid themselves and their communities of infestation with intestinal worms in this fast-paced, fun game through the strategic use of deworming pills.

It is unknown at this time whether USAID funded the creation of any other mobile games, either before or after 2012, nor whether any bigger gaming projects were funded.

According to a paper published on USAID on November 15, 2012, the mobile games were launched through a public-private partnership with the Half the Sky Movement, with the goal of increasing global awareness of women’s health issues. The games are no longer playable due to the shutdown of the USAID website.

The revelation that USAID was funding mobile games is just one of many surprises revealed through DOGE’s investigations.

Earlier this week it was revealed that Politico received funding from USAID to the tune of eight million dollars per year, as well as the BBC to an unspecified amount in the United Kingdom. It’s worth noting these outlets ran numerous pieces on Gamergate, the gaming consumer movement from a decade ago.