Serve the People – virtually

Lei Feng is an icon in China, although some people doubt he really existed. Born in 1940, he became an orphan after his father was killed during the anti-Japanese war and his mother committed suicide after being harrassed by her landlord. At a young age he joined the People’s Liberation Army and allegedly spent all his spare time and money helping the poor, old and needy. He died at the age of 22 after a telephone pole fell on his head (no kidding – someone drove a truck into a pole that struck Lei Feng), and became a national hero from his selflessness and noble-mindedness.

Chairman Mao Zedong then decided that March 5 would be a national Xiang Lei Feng tongzhi xuexi (Learn from Comrade Lei Feng) day. Suddenly many pictures of Lei Feng doing good deeds turned up, and also his diary was found and published. This year it seems that the Party wants to revive the Lei Feng spirit among younger people, because after 40 years it was suddenly announced that Lei Feng had a girlfriend (did he not write about her in his diary?). This of course led to quite some media articles about him. And according to the Shanghai Daily now there is even an online game starring Lei Feng (according to Xinhua published by Shanda):

To do good deeds, as many as you can, is the trick for passing each level in the online game. The game, so-called “Learn from Lei Feng,” has become very popular among many Guangzhou students as of recent. Hard work, a plain life and willingness to help others are the game’s themes, which is very different from most other online games. “For beginners, sewing and mending socks is the only way to increase experience and to upgrade,” said Jiao Jian, a six-grade pupil in Yuexiu District, quoted by the newspaper. “Every time you are promoted to a higher level, your clothes will become more average,” he said. “You have to do good deeds in order to upgrade, such as contributing and volunteering on building sites. The more you do, the better and higher you get. Thus boosting your reputation.”

The game also sets up tasks like a treasure hunt, which can be found in many online games. But the treasure here is a copy of Chairman Mao’s Collection, unlike the usual swords or jewels. “It’s a novel idea, very interesting.” Jiao said. He also said he likes to battle against the secret agents mainly. “Sometimes the enemy was very strong. The fight almost exhausted me, so I would go to talk with the Party secretary to replenish my vitality at once.” “As long as my experience, reputation, skill and loyalty satisfy the game’s criteria, I will win and meet Chairman Mao,” Jiao noted. “I still have several tasks to go through. I will ‘work hard’ and strive to obtain the Chairman’s autograph as soon as I can.”

It seems like a potential cult game to me, and through viral marketing it could even become a hit outside China. Not sure if there is an English version though.