By now, we’re all familiar with viruses – probably more familiar than we’d like to be! With each breathless report of a novel outbreak, it’s easy to forget that microbes were, are, and will always be omnipresent in every aspect of our lives. Though the average geek might regard them solely in the technological context, biological viruses are a recurring theme in games spanning genres, playstyles, and decades.

This panel will explore pathogens and pandemics in video games, both as a narrative device and/or gameplay mechanic, from the perspective of a trained virologist and researcher currently pursuing a PhD. You’ll learn basic traits of viruses and how we deal with them; then we’ll discuss games that portray infectious disease, and how well their fictional microbes match up to the real thing. We’ll conclude with a case study of a game that replicated epidemic conditions so well, the developers were asked to give data to the CDC – even though their simulated outbreak was a complete accident. There will also be opportunities for you to take a virus home with you, but only in friendly plush format :) So come by and catch the bug!

MAGFest is run by MAGFest, Inc., a volunteer-supported 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the appreciation of video games, video game culture, and video game music. We achieve this through numerous events, such as Super MAGFest, MAGWest, MAGStock, and Bit Gen Gamer Fest. We also support other not-for-profit organizations, such as Child’s Play. Learn more at [ Ссылка ].

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