Swinefighter: Swine Flu Video Game Goes Viral

As the world worries about an imminent pandemic, a video game that capitalizes on the lighter side of swine flu is gaining viral momentum online. How a virus becomes a viral game… In the video game Swinefighter, you must save the world – and yourself – from “killer pigs.”

And while the point is entertainment, the website also offers recommendations from the US Center of Disease Control on how to avoid contracting the swine flu.

It might sound twisted, but I think this viral game could contribute to raising top of mind awareness (TOMA) of the virus “swine flu” and how to prevent catching this nasty disease.

The game was launched April 27 2009. That day it was played by 9 people. 2 Days later over 600.000 people had played the game! The game was spread through Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and ShareThis.

There is also a widget that can be embedded. The game is powered by Heyzap.

And I want to add something to some brands, publishers and media agencies: a viral effect like this-within the social media space- cannot be created with “pre-roll commercials” and “display adds”.

So if you want to reach a larger audience cheaper within the social universe, think again before you approve your media strategy and plans. Maybe even consider hiring an experienced social media marketing agency?!

Source: Reuters