Plague Inc saw a huge surge in downloads last month amid the growing threat of COVID-19. It was a strange turn of events but it's one that has clearly inspired the game's developers as they're now making a new game mode that tasks players with stopping the spread of a deadly outbreak. This news was first reported by Eurogamer.

Work on this reverse version of the standard Plague Inc setup started after players began requesting a mode where they could save the world instead of bringing it to an untimely end. The update will be free for all players whilst the pandemic is ongoing.

The mode will introduce a new set of systems that players will have to balance. This will include managing disease progression and boosting healthcare systems. Beyond that, they'll also have to deal with triaging, quarantining, social distancing and closing public services. So if you think you can do a better job than you're own government, keep your eyes peeled for more info on this update.

Elsewhere, the developers have also donated $250,000 that has been split between Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the World Health Organisation's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

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Talking about the donation James Vaughan, the game's creator said: “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 added: “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”.

Plague Inc is available now over on the App Store and Google Play. It costs $0.99 on iOS with IAPs whilst the Android version is free-to-play with in-app purchases.