The first confirmed case of Ebola has been diagnosed in the United States. People are freaking out on Twitter like it’s the end of the world, even as the CDC press conference prattles on about containment and remains calm. As they should, it’s their job. But what immediately came to mind—some might say callously—is the mobile game Plague INC.
On top of being a damn good game in it’s own right, Plague INC. offers up a strikingly accurate comparison to what’s going on in the news right now. In Plague INC. you take on the role of a deadly bacteria, virus, or some other nasty disease and the goal is to set out to effectively infect and kill off all of humanity by modifying the plague DNA to varying levels of infectivity and deadliness.
You can also name the disease. You can call it something like “Leaky Ass” so the game will say “Leaky Ass has infected China,” or “Leaky Ass spreads to Russia.” Since you can name it whatever you want, you can also name it Ebola. If you name it Ebola and start the plague off in the United States, this is the first screen you’re welcomed with:
Screengrab via Plague, INC.