Games can capture the imagination and engage people on an emotional and intellectual level in ways that other communication strategies cannot. The best-known games in infectious diseases – such as Pandemicand Plague Inc.– have found ways to motivate players to learn about outbreaks and how they spread.
More games are on the way, while virtual reality technologies (VR) promise to allow researchers to create experiences that immerse citizens into scenarios that deepen their understanding of epidemiology and immunisation.
In Pandemic, players are faced with outbreaks of four diseases in different regions of the world. Their task, in taking on the roles of doctors, scientists and operations experts, is to cooperate with other players to discover cures before it’s too late.
A new report by the International Centre on Longevity (UK) on the use of technology in improving vaccine uptake says there is emerging evidence that ‘gamification’ can help influence how people feel about vaccination.
The report, Data, Bots and Drones, points to a scientific study of parents and children in Italy exploring how smartphone apps can shape opinion on MMR and the likelihood of vaccination. The study found a stronger intention to vaccinate among those that had used Plague Inc.
Like Pandemic, Plague Inc. simulates the spread of infectious diseases around the world. But instead of playing the role of saviour battling outbreaks, each player assumes the identity of a deadly disease. They must find the most effective strategies to spread around the world and become the first to wipe out humanity.
These and other games have attracted large and committed followings of tens of millions of players.
Plague (App) is a classic. Back in the day, I had a killer fungus strategy that would wreak havoc on public health in the West. Super game for anyone interested in exploring how infectious diseases spread.
— Ronnie Moore (@duronronron) March 7, 2019
Virtual reality (VR) technologies may also have a role in engaging the public in how outbreaks occur – and can be prevented. Initial tests suggest VR simulations engage people and encourage vaccine uptake.
‘One of the challenges we often face in the world of vaccination is getting people to imagine what it’s like to have an infectious disease and to transmit it to others,’ Nowak says. ‘What VR can do is reduce the need to rely on people’s imagination. Instead, you can give people an experience of how it feels to be infected with flu and protected against flu.’
More games are in development looking at everything from flu pandemics to the impact of antimicrobial resistance.
I also have one that I am using locally for #MedEd which should be available for others in a beta edition in a few months https://t.co/vd0RUwqayg pic.twitter.com/8ek7wuF3pY
— Michael Cosimini (@MichaelCosimini) March 8, 2019
Check out Bacteria Combat our app made in collab with @UofGlasgow on bacteria and antibiotics. Also check Fungal Invaders and Killer Fungus Evolution, developed for @killerfungus16
— Game Doctor (@GameDrLtd) March 7, 2019
— Michael Cosimini (@MichaelCosimini) March 8, 2019
Flumania! https://t.co/4DvAqS9rdW
— Michael Greenberg MD (@greenbergepi) March 7, 2019
CD4 Hunter by Drexel University https://t.co/CYoGHSJKlz
— Nathan John Meade (@nathanjohn86) March 7, 2019
Have you played games or used apps that helped you understand infectious diseases? Comment below
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October 20th, 2021
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