The concept of using games and simulations to address the problems of epidemics and pandemics is far from new. In the UK there is an old nursery rhyme called “ring a ring o’ roses” which has been attributed to the great plague of London in the 17th century in which the symptoms included a rose-like rash and sneezing. Since Games and Simulations are used in many application areas to raise awareness and influence behaviours which are important interventions for epidemics and viruses, it is not surprising that they can play an important role in tackling the spread of infectious diseases like MERS. This presentation shows some examples of serious games and simulations to both support the early detection of these diseases and to engage the public in actions and behaviours that limit their impact. The presentation goes on to consider the role of gamification and disruptive technologies in future strategies designed to either prevent pandemics or reduce their spread

1. Serious Games, Simulations and
Gamification Solutions and Trends
for Viruses and Epidemics
David Wortley
GAETSS

2. Presentation Structure
• Introduction and Background
• Pandemic Board Game
• Serious Game and Simulation Solutions
• Impact of Disruptive Technologies
• Gamification and Crowd Sourcing
• Conclusions

3. Games and Pandemics
Games can spread awareness and help behavioural Change

4. The Role of Games and Simulations
• Raise awareness
• Change attitudes and behaviours
• Improve early detection rates
• Role Playing Opportunities
• Develop strategies and skills
• Test abilities and competencies

5. Role Playing Games
100K downloads in 6 weeks7 Million Copies

6. Pandemic Board Game
Classic Multiplayer Board Game with excellent game mechanics

7. Video Games and Simulations
Pandemic and the Great Flu are successful examples

8. Patient Rescue
Random generation of patients and symptoms for simulations

9. Impact of Disruptive Technologies
Sensors, Cloud Computing, Data Visualisation, Wearable Devices

10. Gamification Elements (Mechanics)
Scenarios/Narratives
Challenges
Rules
Chance/Uncertainty
Risks
Rewards/Incentives
Penalties
Competition
Exploration
Success/Achievement
Failure
Discovery
Leaderboards
Learning
Development
Skill/Ability
Action/Reaction
Measurement
Feedback
Reflection
Gamification introduces some or all of these elements into
everyday situations

11. Gamification Elements in Pandemic
Scenarios/Narratives
Challenges
Rules
Chance/Uncertainty
Risks
Rewards/Incentives
Penalties
Competition
Exploration
Success/Achievement
Failure
Discovery
Leaderboards
Learning
Development
Skill/Ability
Action/Reaction
Measurement
Feedback
Reflection
Gamification introduces some or all of these elements into
everyday situations

12. Gamification "A-List" Influencers
Ability
Accessibility
Activation Level
Adjacency
Admiration
Affectedness
Affordability
Alignment
Ambition
Appearance
Aptitude
Argument
Aspiration
Associates
Attractiveness
Authenticity
Authority
Awareness
Gamification "A-List" Influencers are all factors which
can have a bearing on outcomes

13. Gamification "A-List" Influencers
Ability
Accessibility
Activation Level
Adjacency
Admiration
Affectedness
Affordability
Alignment
Ambition
Appearance
Aptitude
Argument
Aspiration
Associates
Attractiveness
Authenticity
Authority
Awareness
Gamification "A-List" Influencers are all factors which
can have a bearing on outcomes

14. Gamification and Crowd Sourcing
Gamification provides challenges and user engagement – Ushahidi Platform

15. Future Trends
• Real time data and crowdsourcing applications
may lead to incorporation of games mechanics
into reality
• Simulation and role playing games like
Pandemic will be used in staff recruitment,
assessment and training

16. Conclusions
• Game mechanics and psychology engage both
professionals and non-professionals
• Disruptive technologies provide new
opportunities for pandemic detection and
interventions
• Sensors and wearable technologies plus
crowdsourcing point to the future