In The Division, Ubisoft Germany has released a documentary series where experts comment on the catastrophe in The Division.
In less than a week, the launch of The Division will occur. Just before that, Ubisoft Germany wants to shed light on the disaster scenario in the game and question how it is possible for a smallpox virus to spread so quickly and bring entire cities to the brink of annihilation in a very short time.
The developers of The Division have spoken with experts and tried to create the most realistic setting for a pandemic. In The Division, the consequences are dramatic: public life and healthcare have collapsed in New York, the streets are deserted, electricity is only available sporadically – chaos reigns.
In the first part of the documentary series titled “The Collapse“, scientists investigate whether such a pandemic scenario is also possible for us and discuss what countermeasures governments are taking. How prepared is Germany for such a catastrophe?
Is a pandemic scenario conceivable for us?
In principle: a similar disaster scenario as in The Division cannot be excluded in reality. You can never prevent a catastrophe; you can only prepare for it.
There are only a handful of disasters that can take on global dimensions. Examples include an asteroid impact, a global nuclear war, or indeed a pandemic.
On May 8, 1980, the WHO announced that the smallpox virus, which is also addressed in The Division, had been eradicated worldwide. There are only two places where smallpox viruses are stored: in the USA and in Russia, in specialized high-security laboratories.
The smallpox virus should not be completely eradicated so that materials can be available for any re-emerging smallpox outbreaks, and vaccines can be produced – or to take countermeasures, should smallpox be used as a biological weapon.
It is not unthinkable that these smallpox viruses could fall into the wrong hands. An infected person only needs to sit on a tram for a while, and many other people could be infected. The virus would spread quickly, especially since no one is vaccinated against smallpox anymore. After all, the virus is considered eradicated worldwide.
How are we prepared for a pandemic?
Since 2005, following the outbreak of avian influenza, the WHO has called for all countries to prepare for a pandemic. Recommendations and measures have been forwarded to hospitals and doctors. Businesses have also been involved to ensure, for example, that food supply chains remain intact.
A scenario like that in The Division would declare a state of emergency in Germany, and the federal government could deploy armed forces. However, whether the Bundeswehr would be able to maintain order in the country cannot be said: controlling and possibly quarantining entire cities seems impossible. One could slow down the speed of spread, but not stop it completely. Difficult decisions must be made.
Germany is indeed prepared against smallpox, as there is a smallpox alert plan in place. We have smallpox vaccines in stock that can be quickly accessed. In addition, there are already antiviral medications in Germany that prevent the virus from spreading in the body.
It can be stated: We are prepared, but whether these protective measures would really work can only be shown in a real emergency.
In The Division, the apocalypse has broken out. But even there, there is hope, thanks to antibodies from survivors and dedicated scientists working on a vaccine. Humanity is resisting the plague.
You can watch the documentary, with all background information, in the following video:
Man vs. Chaos
In the second part of the documentary, an outbreak of a deadly virus is simulated. To prevent its spread, the area must be sealed off. People, especially those who are not infected, create conflict potential in quarantine. There are no laws here; it is the law of the stronger.
The following video sheds light on the issues of containment and crisis management as an individual.
Rise of The Factions
In the third part of the documentary series, human society is examined. Humans need rules that provide them with safety and stability. In the apocalypse, a power vacuum has arisen that must be filled. Groups are forming, factions that want to enforce common interests by any means available.
Are you prepared for the apocalypse in The Division? In this guide, you can get an overview of all unlockable abilities.
