Impact of COVID-19? 'Jeonyeombyeong Jusikhoesa' Removed from App Store in China

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] Amid the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the Chinese government has removed the game "Plague Inc." which is based on the theme of epidemic transmission.

The UK game developer Endemic Creations announced on the 28th, "We received a notification that the game was deemed illegal by the Cyberspace Administration of China and was removed from the app store."

'Plague Inc.' is a strategy simulation game where players aim to spread a virus worldwide and cause extinction using various methods. The game realistically reflects actual epidemics, viruses, bacteria, as well as each country's health policies and geographical factors. New scenarios based on real diseases such as the Ebola virus and MERS have been added whenever such outbreaks occur.

The Chinese government's removal of the game appears to be somewhat related to the spread of COVID-19. Released in 2012, 'Plague Inc.' tends to become popular whenever an epidemic occurs. According to app analytics firm Sensor Tower, the game has been downloaded 2.2 million times in China so far, with about 9% (198,000 downloads) occurring since January this year. Before its removal, it was the third most popular paid app in China.

Endemic Creations stated, "It is not certain whether the game's removal is related to the outbreak of COVID-19," but added, "The educational role of Plague Inc. has been recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and we are currently cooperating with major global institutions on ways to control and support COVID-19."

They continued, "The game will continue to be available outside China, and we are working to find a way to provide it to Chinese users," adding, "We will contact the Cyberspace Administration of China to find a solution."

Meanwhile, Plague Inc. recently sparked controversy in South Korea as well. After the game's ranking surged following the COVID-19 outbreak?reaching number one in paid apps on the Apple App Store and number one in free apps on Google Play in South Korea?some media outlets warned to "be cautious," which led to backlash among users.