# Epigames

> Participate in simulated disease outbreaks to aid scientific research on human behavior. (iPhone/iPad app by THE BROAD INSTITUTE INC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epigames/id6746726345 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [THE BROAD INSTITUTE INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/900183025)
- Category: Education, Games, Simulation
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 6 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 64 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2025-06-13
- Data updated: 2026-06-04
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epigames/id6746726345/reviews.md

## What is Epigames?

What if playing a game on your phone could help scientists understand how diseases spread—and even prevent the next pandemic?

Welcome to Epigames, a new kind of app built on the Epidemica platform from the Colubri Lab at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, co-creators and developers of the award-winning Operation Outbreak app.

In this app-based experience, your phone becomes part of a simulated outbreak in real-life. You’ll make decisions, interact with others, and see the spread of a digital “pathogen” play out in front of your eyes. But don’t worry—there’s no real virus involved. Just a unique opportunity to be part of cutting-edge science while having fun.

Why it matters
Human behavior is one of the biggest unknowns in how infectious diseases spread. When do people choose to avoid others? How does risk perception, incentives, and social norms influence our actions during an outbreak? Traditional methods can’t capture this complexity. That’s where Epigames comes in.

By participating in one of our app-based simulations, you’re helping researchers study real-world interaction patterns in schools, workplaces, conferences, and more. This anonymous data helps scientists build better models of disease spread—models that could guide public health decisions in the future and save lives.

What you’ll do:
• Join a simulated outbreak together with other participants and watch your actions shape the outcome.
• Make decisions about who to interact with, how to protect yourself, and how to earn points.
• Experience how your network changes in response to simulated risk and real choices.
It’s not just a fun app—it’s an experiment in collective intelligence, behavior, and resilience.

Designed for your privacy
Epigames is built with privacy and security at its core:
• No personal or identifiable information is collected.
• Your phone communicates only with nearby devices via anonymous Bluetooth signals.
• All data is securely stored using encrypted, cloud-based infrastructure.
• You are always in control and can leave the simulated outbreak at any time.

Who should play?
Students, conference attendees, science lovers, curious minds—anyone who wants to contribute to solving a real-world problem through a fun, engaging experience. Whether at school, at a conference, or at an event with friends, your participation matters!

## Key features

- Simulated outbreak gameplay
- Decision-making mechanics
- Observe pathogen spread
- Contribute to scientific research
- Privacy-focused design
- Anonymous data collection


## Frequently asked questions about Epigames

### What is Epigames?

Epigames is an app-based simulation where your phone becomes part of a simulated outbreak. You make decisions that influence the spread of a digital pathogen, helping scientists understand human behavior during epidemics.

### How does Epigames help scientists?

By participating, you provide anonymous data on real-world interaction patterns. This data helps researchers build better models of disease spread, which can inform public health decisions and potentially save lives.

### Is Epigames safe to play?

Yes, Epigames is designed with privacy and security at its core. No personal or identifiable information is collected, and your phone communicates via anonymous Bluetooth signals.

### What kind of decisions do I make in Epigames?

You will make choices about who to interact with, how to protect yourself, and how to earn points within the simulation. Your actions directly shape the outcome of the simulated outbreak.

### Does Epigames have ads?

No, Epigames does not contain advertisements. It is a free application focused on providing an engaging scientific simulation experience.

### What devices does Epigames support?

Epigames is currently supported on iPhone and iPod devices. The app was last updated on May 1, 2026, with version 1.4.2.

### Can I leave the simulation in Epigames?

Yes, you are always in control and can leave the simulated outbreak at any time. Your participation is voluntary.

### What is the age rating for Epigames?

Epigames has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for a wide range of users, including younger players, due to its non-violent and educational nature.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4.2 — 2026-05-01

* UI bugfixes
* Clearer leave game message

### 1.3.2 — 2026-03-05

* Fixed bug in calculation of synthetic peers
* Use light blue background in the animation for survey/quiz submission

### 1.3.1 — 2026-03-02

* Bluetooth off warning is not shown if the epigame is inactive (e.g., it has not started yet or is paused)

### 1.3.0 — 2026-02-25

* Do not show pause screen is epigame has not started yet
* Randomize synthetic peers (number and duration)
* Change background color of loading screen
* Do not save previous user ID if joining new game

### 1.2.8 — 2026-01-22

* Added waiting room
* Added message when user misses quarantine selection
* Added vaccination icon
* Implemented global simulations
* Expanded quarantine intervention
* Added user ID to final screen
* Added overlay to home screen when in paused mode
* Fixes and library updates

## Apps similar to Epigames

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Your Spelling KS1](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/your-spelling-ks1/id1222394993) | 4.2 (85) | $2.99 | Education |
| [My AUIS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/my-auis/id1530712312) | 4.8 (12) | Free | Education |
| [myMurdoch LMS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mymurdoch-lms/id6743161630) | — | Free | Education |
| [Jusur-academy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jusur-academy/id6748466650) | — | Free | Education |
| [Dental Infinity](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dental-infinity/id6747041115) | — | Free | Education |
| [Schoolatica](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/schoolatica/id6749514238) | — | Free | Education |

## More apps by THE BROAD INSTITUTE INC

- [Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV) for iPad](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/integrative-genomics-viewer-igv-for-ipad/id900183022)
- [Operation Outbreak](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/operation-outbreak/id1455638160)

All apps by THE BROAD INSTITUTE INC: https://appshunter.io/developer/900183025

## Related topics

[epigames](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/epigames)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-04.*
