Plague Inc. Getting Free New Mode in Which You Fight a Pandemic

Plague Inc. will soon have a new free mode entirely focused on fighting a pandemic instead of spreading one. The new mode, which will be free for all players during the pandemic, intends on providing a whole new perspective. Developed with aid from the WHO and Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, players will have to prevent diseases from spreading using methods like quarantining, social distancing, closing public sources, and boosting healthcare systems. Some of these methods are already being used today in response to COVID-19. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/27/plague-inc-mysteriously-removed-from-sale-in-china"] Developer Ndemic Creations announced the new mode on its website, alongside pledging a $250,000 donation to fighting the coronavirus. This donation is split between the World Health Organization and the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. Plague Inc. creator, James Vaughan, spoke about how he never expected players to use Plague Inc. as a way to deal with COVID-19. “Eight years ago, I never imagined the real world would come to resemble a game of Plague Inc. or that so many players would be using Plague Inc. to help them get through an actual pandemic," he said. "We are proud to be able to help support the vital work of the WHO and CEPI as they work towards finding a vaccine for COVID-19” Back in January, the strategy simulation game spiked in sales as the COVID-19 pandemic started to spread. The influx in new sales even led to the Chinese government banning Plague Inc. from being sold. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/25/how-coronavirus-is-impacting-the-games-industry"] The developer intends to support the WHO further by promoting a way for players to donate money in-game.   This news follows the cancellation or postponement of several video game conventions like E3 due to the impact of the pandemic. For every game event that has been affected thus far, take a look at our full story. Keep safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and understand how to stay healthy with these CDC guidelines. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=games-to-play-while-stuck-at-home&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jeffrey Lerman is a Freelance News Writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @Snakester95.