Players Like...

❤ Customizable Simulation Environment

The game allows players to create and adjust various parameters of their work environments, such as the number of employees, work schedules, infection rates, mask adoption, and vaccination levels. This sandbox-style approach enables players to experiment and observe the effects of different interventions on the spread of the virus within their simulated workplace.

❤ The Simulation Aims for Realism Using Data-Driven Approaches

The developers have designed the game to provide a realistic simulation of COVID-19 transmission, drawing on real-world data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding factors like age, health, and ethnicity that can impact infection and disease severity. While the developers acknowledge that the simulation may not be 100% accurate, their goal is to convey the serious and dangerous nature of the pandemic through this data-driven approach.

❤ Players Can Explore Different Virus Variants

The game enables players to switch between different COVID-19 variants, such as Alpha, Delta, and Omicron, to observe how the transmission dynamics and effectiveness of interventions may change over time as the virus evolves. This feature allows players to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by the pandemic and the need for adaptable strategies.

❤ Visualization and Data Tracking Enhance the Experience

The game provides visual representations of the virus spread over time, allowing players to track the impact of their decisions and policies. Players can generate charts and export data in PNG or CSV formats, enabling them to analyze the simulation results in greater detail.

❤ Encouraging Player Experimentation and Agency

The open-ended gameplay experience encourages players to freely adjust various parameters, implement different policies, and observe the consequences. This approach promotes experimentation and exploration of the complex interplay between individual behaviors, workplace policies, and the overall progression of the pandemic.

❤ Balancing Pandemic Awareness and Discourse

While the game includes some satirical elements regarding the political climate surrounding COVID-19, its primary goal is to convey the seriousness of the pandemic and the importance of public health measures, such as masking and vaccination. The developers' inclusion of a disclaimer emphasizes the game's intent to educate and raise awareness about the real-world challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis.