It’s a well known fact that sometimes companies use the ignorance of others to help boost profits, like advertising de-icer before a harsh winter. But when people become so interested in a deadly virus that they go out and buy a game, well that’s a new one.
In a bizarrely funny yet grim twist on the situation, Plague Inc, a game created by developer James Vaughan, has seen a marked rise in sales since Ebola set down on American soil, “This is the first time something in the real world has has an effect on the sales charts, especially since Ebola came over to America.”
Sure, people are wondering how an infectious disease may actually spread, but relying on a video game as your prediction model? Questionable to say the least, “People are curious about it and want to know more about infectious diseases. Plague Inc. can play a role because it’s an intelligent look at how infectious diseases can spread. Plague Inc. has an audience of 35 million people who have downloaded it since the game launched. I want to help in any way I can, whether that is raising funds or raising awareness. I’m currently talking to major charities to see if Plague Inc. can be used as a tool to help in some way.”
Crazy? Or convenient? Let us know in the comments.
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