Gaming ideas from reality

[maerson]

I use a lot of sources of information when coming up with game ideas. Reality generally provides some of the best stuff, to be honest. I found a book on bizarre, real crimes over the ages that was great fodder. Today, I found an interesting article about a fungus that takes over ants. I've used other ideas from real life, such as a giant fungus -

Comments

[sirvalence]

Don't forget toxoplasmosis, the protozoan that can only reproduce in the guts of cats. How does it get in the guts of cats? By infecting mice and rats and creating brain cysts that replace the hosts' innate fear of the smell of cat urine with a mild level of sexual arousal. Thus they are actually attracted to areas marked by cats, becoming more likely to be eaten. Check out this interview with Robert Sapolsky, where he also talks about how humans infected with toxoplasmosis are three to four times more likely to die in accidents involving reckless speeding. Kinda freaky stuff.

[maerson]

I'd seen that! (You'd probably posted it.) Absolutely awesome stuff - I don't know if I could make that up...