Blending together retro graphics and science-based simulations, a Pinoy-led indie game studio has developed a unique way to learn about how quickly COVID-19 spreads in a community.
‘In the Time of Pandemia’ is a free online strategy game that places the player in the shoes of a government official tasked to handle the spread of the virus in their community. The game’s description reads, “You’re a crisis manager of a town under the grip of COVID-19. Your mission is to save lives.” The player must avoid as many deaths as possible, minimize the number of cases, and manage the town’s finances.
Cebu-based game developer Khail Santia led a team of Filipino and international artists to create the pandemic simulator. Among them are visual artists Ramon del Prado, Linya Fernandez, and Troy Logramonte Valdehueza; and composers Algernon Van Peel, Filip Žarković, and Jom Ouano. They worked with Dr. May Anne Estrera Mata, a mathematical epidemiologist, to build an accurate and realistic experience. Santia also included other medical professionals as play testers for the game.
According to Santia, ‘In the Time of Pandemia’ was built on American game designer Raph Koster’s initial sketch. He had posted it publicly on his Facebook which inspired Santia to develop it further into an actualized simulation. Koster shared that he was impressed by how they were able to make it their own.
Released under Moocho Brain, ‘In the Time of Pandemia’ is available to play on the online platform Newgrounds. The game also includes link to how players can help their community in real life.
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