From Pandemic to Populism: Transferring a Proven Game Concept to a Learning Game

The design of learning games requires the combination of game mechanics and learning content in a manner that makes the game both appealing and educational. This is a complex task, especially when resources are limited. An alternative approach is utilizing commercial entertainment games that have already proven their appeal. Accordingly, in this work-in-progress article, we present a conceptual study of the pandemic management simulation Plague Inc. and argue that the game concept can be transferred to the topic of populism while largely retaining the factors that make the game appealing. Methodologically, we analyse the specific features of Plague Inc., such as the inverted goal structure used and its diverse applicability as learning media. Furthermore, we identify core principles of Plague Inc. and transfer them to a populism simulation game. Thus, this article provides a starting point for further conceptualization and subsequent implementation of a learning game that seems suitable for raising awareness of populist strategies in the political discourse.