Superbugs is an app-based game produced by the Longitude Prize, aimed at those in the 11–16 age group. Players fight superbugs using existing and new antibiotics, and try to survive against the most virulent strains of bacterial infections.
The Longitude Prize is a five-year challenge with a £10 million prize fund. It challenges entrepreneurs to create a new, quick, easy and affordable diagnostic tool to use antibiotics appropriately and to prevent further misuse. Launched in 2014, the Longitude Prize commemorates the 300th anniversary of the Longitude Act of 1714, to determine longitude at sea. Currently, 156 teams from 33 countries are collaborating on ideas to win this Prize.
Tamar Ghosh, spokesperson for the Longitude Prize, said: “We know that sharing and overusing of antibiotics can lead to bacteria becoming drug-resistant, so it’s really important that we increase awareness around this huge issue. It’s especially important to reach young people, and games like this are a fantastic way of doing that.”
Superbugs was recognised in the Silver category at the Serious Play Awards.