Virulence is a strategic bidding and engine-building card game that's addictively quick and simple. Players compete as viruses trying to collect viral component cards and take over the host cell!
Each player starts with the same set of six bidding cards, and each of the six has a different strengths. Every round, Viral Component Cards worth varying numbers of points are flipped face up in center of the table. Players then use their bidding cards to simultaneously place secret bids to determine the order they will select from those Viral Component Cards. Highest bidder selects first, followed by the next highest bidder, and so on down to the lowest bidder. Players try to get their highest pick for the lowest bid - but bid too low and you might get stuck with whatever's left!
While most of the Viral Component Cards score points, some of them add to the strength of a player's hand, improving their bidding power for future rounds!
Virulence is great for your gaming group, game night with family and friends, or introducing the study of viruses in the science classroom! Virulence encourages risk-reward analysis, critical thinking and strategic timing. All the viral components covered in Virulence are components that would be introduced in a basic high school level lesson on viruses. And it does so in a way that is fun and intuitive for everyone!
Virulence was created by a professor of game design who is also a chemical engineer and science teacher!
Genius Games is a STEM-centered publishing company that creates high-quality tabletop games and children's books. We demystify intimidating concepts in the sciences through the thrill of play. We engage players in a lifelong process of inquiry by rewarding curiosity with fun.
Play:
Ages: 8+ Players: 2 - 5 Time: 15 - 20 mins
Science Concepts covered in Virulence:
Structure and components of viruses, genome, helical, icosahedral, spherical envelope, virus replication, vaccines, mutations