The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the world in the past few months. While gaming is something that can typically be done indoors, the industry has seen major changes. E3 and other gaming events have been canceled or have decided to take the physical event digital instead.
For many, it’s difficult to stay the entire time indoors. That’s why so many are strongly suggesting social distancing once people are outdoors. At the same time, some don’t understand why this is so important. Keeping six feet apart helps stop the spread of the virus. While adults are more likely to understand, young children may not.
A new, free online browser-based game called Can You Save The World? aims to teach young kids, or even some adults, on the importance of social distancing.
The title also introduces other information regarding the pandemic and what individuals can do to help everyone else. Masks are an important item to collect, which in real life help stop the spread of the virus. In many parts of the world, going outside for a walk hasn’t been discouraged, so players can see the importance of exercise and getting fresh air, as long as they stay six feet apart.
Can You Save The World? is a game developed by Professor Richard Wiseman and French video game developer Martin Jacob, along with artists Julia Martinez Baiardi and Charline Hedreville.
The game challenges players to social distance as much as possible. Players are tasked with walking down a busy street filled with people walking or cycling. These people may seem healthy at first, but some of them begin sneezing or coughing, which is how the virus can spread.
Players score points by following social distancing rules. They can also collect masks and leave them on checkpoints to gain more lives. By collecting power-ups, players will gain health points and special effects. Saving 7,000,000,000 people will save the world.
Richard Wiseman, Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, said:
The game is fun to play but also delivers an important message. Social distancing is a vital part of stopping the spread of COVID-19 and by creating this game we hope to affect real-life behaviour.
The title is a family-friendly yet educational game that teaches young players about social distancing but without using scary or frightening imagery.
Players can start the title now within their browser or download it as a small 30 MB file.
Can You Save The World? is available now on itch.io.
