Virus: The Game
Encyclopedia
Virus: The Game is a strategy
/action
video game by Sir-Tech
. The game levels take place in the user's 'hard drive'. The objective is to battle against 'viruses
' that invade the user's directory structure and files. The game and its advertisement included warnings reminding the player that "it's just a game," and that the game is not actually causing harm to the computer's files. The user's graphic files are used as the wall texture and sound files are used as the background music. Despite the interesting concept, the critical reputation was disappointing. GameSpot
claimed that "Virus has all the appearances of a game that underwent numerous design changes but never really came together."
advertisement campaign for the game was started--one of the first of its kind. The advertisement was viewed in the form of a downloaded .exe file. When the file was run, a full screen representation of the desktop appeared. The software then began simulating deletion of the Windows folder. When this process was complete, a message was slowly typed on screen saying "Thank God this is only a game." A screen with the purchase information appeared on screen and then returned to the desktop. No damage was done to the computer during the advertisement. This advertisement was not well received, most likely due to the scareware
tactic involved.
Strategy video game
Strategy video games is a video game genre that emphasizes skillful thinking and planning to achieve victory. They emphasize strategic, tactical, and sometimes logistical challenges. Many games also offer economic challenges and exploration...
/action
Action game
Action game is a video game genre that emphasizes physical challenges, including hand–eye coordination and reaction-time. The genre includes diverse subgenres such as fighting games, shooter games, and platform games, which are widely considered the most important action games, though some...
video game by Sir-Tech
Sir-Tech
Sir-Tech Software, Inc. was a United States-based video game developer and publisher founded by Robert Woodhead and Norman Sirotek. While the original company closed its doors in 2001, its Canadian counterpart Sir-Tech Canada continued to operate up until late 2003.Sir-Tech is best known for the...
. The game levels take place in the user's 'hard drive'. The objective is to battle against 'viruses
Computer virus
A computer virus is a computer program that can replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, including but not limited to adware and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability...
' that invade the user's directory structure and files. The game and its advertisement included warnings reminding the player that "it's just a game," and that the game is not actually causing harm to the computer's files. The user's graphic files are used as the wall texture and sound files are used as the background music. Despite the interesting concept, the critical reputation was disappointing. GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
claimed that "Virus has all the appearances of a game that underwent numerous design changes but never really came together."
Advertising
A quasi-viralViral marketing
Viral marketing, viral advertising, or marketing buzz are buzzwords referring to marketing techniques that use pre-existing social networks to produce increases in brand awareness or to achieve other marketing objectives through self-replicating viral processes, analogous to the spread of viruses...
advertisement campaign for the game was started--one of the first of its kind. The advertisement was viewed in the form of a downloaded .exe file. When the file was run, a full screen representation of the desktop appeared. The software then began simulating deletion of the Windows folder. When this process was complete, a message was slowly typed on screen saying "Thank God this is only a game." A screen with the purchase information appeared on screen and then returned to the desktop. No damage was done to the computer during the advertisement. This advertisement was not well received, most likely due to the scareware
Scareware
Scareware comprises several classes of scam software with malicious payloads, or of limited or no benefit, that are sold to consumers via certain unethical marketing practices. The selling approach uses social engineering to cause shock, anxiety, or the perception of a threat, generally directed at...
tactic involved.