Simulation game Plague Inc. is pulled from the iOS App Store in China

The popular game Plague Inc. which asks gamers to create and verify the deadly spread of a virus across the world, has been available on the Chinese App Store for years without any problems, as well as on the Google Play Store.

Ndemic said "it is unclear to us whether this removal is linked to the coronavirus outbreak China is experiencing", but it certainly appears to be the most likely cause. "This situation is completely out of our control," writes Ndemic.

"We are working hard to try and find a way to make the game available back to the store in China, however, as a small indie game studio in the UK, chances are our immediate priority is to try and get in touch with Management. of China's Cyberspace to understand their concerns and work with them to find a solution".

Plague Inc. saw a rise in popularity in China and other countries after initial reports of the coronavirus outbreak.

In the wake of that outbreak, Ndemic released a statement last month urging players not to treat the game as a "scientific model" for the spread of any disease.

Reports of new coronavirus cases are now higher outside China than inside the country, where the outbreak has been on the decline since Feb.

An industry analyst noted on Twitter that in the past China has restricted games that "harm public ethics, harm social order or undermine social stability", including titles that contain "false information".

Plague Inc seems to be the only 'virus/plague' related game that has been taken down so far.

All other games in this genre are still up, including games developed by Chinese companies and supported by the Chinese government.https://t.co/ZHOL4GzW8r

— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) February 27, 2020

China has a long history of restrictions on mobile apps sold in the country, from communication and news apps to gambling and protest mapping tools.

Plague Inc. It is still available on App Store outside of China and also Google Play Store. The game is also available for PC and also for the main consoles on the market.