Sunday Funday: Video Game Plays on Fears About Crumbling Infrastructure

The game is called INFRA—the action is set in a city where corruption in the private and public sectors has left the city on the brink of collapse.

1 minute read

July 12, 2015, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


John Metcalfe introduces the idea behind the "INFRA" video game:

"OK, so the premise isn’t as action-packed as swinging across a floating, racist city in 'Bioshock Infinite' or no-scoping ultranationalist terrorists in 'Modern Warfare 3.' But INFRA has the power of realism on its side. Given the crappy state of a lot of the world’s infrastructure, who can’t relate to the fear of being crushed by an old bridge or barbecued by an exploding gas line?"

According to Metcalfe's coverage, Loiste Interactive’s Oskari Samiola was inspired to make the game after watching the The Crumbling of America documentary. The article describes more about how the game combines the "unsexy" conversation about infrastructure with the exciting requirements of game play.

The trailer for the game also shows how the game positions the concerns of infrastructure at the center of an adrenaline-pumping adventure.

Friday, July 10, 2015 in CityLab

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog