Plague Inc. Evolved gets head-to-head multiplayer next week

Plague Inc. Evolved is an odd sort of game in which you create a virulent disease, then unleash it upon the world, nurturing it through various adaptations with the ultimate goal of bringing about the end of humankind. We were a little iffy on it in our 2014 Early Access report, but the user reviews on Steam are very positive, and I thought the mobile version (it was originally released for Android and iOS devices in 2012) was quite good. Multiplayer was planned for the PC edition from the get-go, and next week the long-awaited versus mode will finally arrive.

The multiplayer mode will add new evolutions, abilities, and genes that will assist players in their efforts to wipe out the scourge that is humanity. For example, "Immune Shock" will overload the immune systems of people infected with both diseases, enabling a cooperative kill-off of millions, while "Genetic Exposure" will let you help humanity develop a cure—but only for the competing disease. Because there's only room in this world for one ultra-lethal pathogen.

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.