China bans popular video game Plague Inc which simulates a killer virus wiping out mankind (and bears huge similarities to how coronavirus is spreading around the world)
- The 79p mobile game Plague Inc. is played by 130million people worldwide
- The aim is to create a deadly disease and then affect as many people as possible
- But the company released statement stating the game had been banned in China
China has banned the popular video game Plague Inc which simulates a killer virus wiping out mankind – and it bears huge similarities to how coronavirus is spreading around the world.
Plague Inc. – made by British entrepreneur James Vaughan for just £2,500 – is played by more than 130million people worldwide.
The aim is to create a deadly disease and then affect as many people as possible. It is the number one strategy game in the world.
The 79p mobile phone app game – also available on consoles and PCs – was created eight years ago by Mr Vaughans start-up company Ndemic Creations, in Bristol.
On the game Plague Inc. the aim is to create a deadly disease and then affect as many people as possible. It is the number one strategy game in the world
The game eerily echoes what has happened in real life, when an unknown bacteria emerges, spreading around the world until more and more people are infected
But the over 12s game has become increasingly popular in China since Coronavirus – also known as COVID-19 – started spreading across the country last month.
The game eerily echoes what has happened in real life, when an unknown bacteria emerges, spreading around the world until more and more people are infected.
Nations then work on a cure and some even close their borders.
It rose to the number one most downloaded game on the country’s version of the Apple Store.
But the company released a statement stating the game had been banned in China.
It tweeted: ‘We’re really sad to announce that Plague Inc. has been removed from the China App Store.
It rose to the number one most downloaded game on the country’s version of the Apple Store. But the company released a statement stating the game had been banned in China
‘This is completely out of our control and we are working to find a way to bring the game back to our players in China.’
A spokesman added: ‘We have some very sad news to share with our China based players.
‘We’ve just been informed that Plague Inc. ‘includes content that is illegal in China as determined by the Cyberspace Administration of China’ and has been removed from the China App Store.
‘This situation is completely out of our control.
‘Plague Inc. is a huge critical and commercial success.
‘Eight years old and with over 130million players, it’s the £1 strategy/simulation game worldwide and has been the most popular paid game in China for many years.
A world map from the game shows the countries that are infected (red) and how the virus has spread, including a total number of those who have died
‘Plague Inc. stands out as an intelligent and sophisticated simulation that encourages players to think and learn more about serious public health issues.
‘We have a huge amount of respect for our Chinese players and are devastated that they are no longer able to access and play Plague Inc.’
The company said the game helps by raising awareness and the spokesman added: ‘It’s not clear to us if this removal is linked to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak that China is facing.
‘However, Plague Inc.’s educational importance has been repeatedly recognised by organisations like the CDC and we are currently working with major global health organisations to determine how we can best support their efforts to contain and control COVID-19.
The company said the game helps by raising awareness and the spokesman added: ‘It’s not clear to us if this removal is linked to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak that China is facing’
In a statement (pictured) the company said: ‘This is completely out of our control and we are working to find a way to bring the game back to our players in China’
A map showing the total number of coronavirus cases worldwide and the number of people who have died from it
‘We are working very hard to try and find a way to get the game back in the hands of Chinese players – we don’t want to give up on you.
‘However, as a tiny independent games studio in the UK, the odds are stacked against us.
‘Our immediate priority is to try and make contact with the Cyberspace Administration of China to understand their concerns and work with them to find a resolution.
‘Nothing is changing outside of mainland China, we will continue to support and update both Plague Inc. and our newest game Rebel Inc. on all platforms whilst also working hard to try and find a way to bring Plague Inc. back to players in China.’