The fun way to predict the unpredictable

From Pearl Harbour to the pandemic - games can offer lessons about the future.

Some argue that games offer important lessons about the world – but whether the lesson offered really is important depends on the game. PHOTO: REUTERS
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

(FINANCIAL TIMES) - As the virus spread across the world and the authorities started imposing lockdowns, problems became obvious. There was resistance to the closure of religious services, few people were keen to postpone weddings and funerals could not wait. Young singles wanted to party. Many people disliked wearing masks. And parents were tearing their hair out as schools closed.

None of this is news. But it was news in 2008, when all these events occurred inside a simulation game, Superstruct, which 10,000 people played online, imagining how they would respond to a respiratory pandemic.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.