Plague Inc: Evolved sees you evolve and spread a deadly disease to bring about the end of the world, and the top-selling Steam game has just added a new gameplay mechanic: fake news. It’s definitely, definitely, absolutely, 100% not aimed at anti-vaxxers. Probably.
The new update sees the developers partner with UK fact checking charity Full Fact and Politifact in the US. The fake news gameplay will make sure you’re not only able to spread disease, but also misinformation to help your planet-killing strategies.
The announcement page explains: “In the radically different Fake News scenario, players can create their very own Fake News story and deceive the world using modern tools and psychological tricks. From wild conspiracy theories to election campaign mudslinging, we now live in a post-fact world where falsehoods and misinformation can spread like a disease.”
In a statement, Plague Inc. creator James Vaughan adds: “Just like a deadly pandemic, the spread of misinformation is a huge threat to our society,
“When designing this new update for Plague Inc., it was scary how many of our infection algorithms translated perfectly to the world of false facts, fake news and bad information. Full Fact are a hugely powerful resource that everyone should use to make sure they really know what is going on.”
UK organisation Full Fact has partnered with the game to highlight just how dangerous false information can be, especially when it comes to health and science.
“Full Fact exists to fight the causes and consequences of bad information,” said Will Moy, Chief Executive of Full Fact.
“We know from experience the harm it can do to lives and communities, whether undermining trust in our democracy or putting our health at risk.
“The Fake News update in Plague Inc. will reach millions more people, helping them to understand the real threat that bad information poses.”
Check out more on Plague Inc. and its new update over on the Steam page, right here.
Featured Image Credit: Ndemic Creations