Players enjoying The Simpsons: Tapped Out game will get a taste of the crypto industry with a new quest featuring blockchain and Bitcoin mining.
Blockchain technology seems to have an easier time of integrating into mainstream society than the cryptocurrencies that it supports. Whether in sports or electronics, blockchain seems to be the technology of choice.
Even though virtual currencies seem to have more of an uphill battle, interest and trading has definitely increased. Discussing cryptocurrencies on technology and financial platforms is one way to spread the word, even though people with an interest in these fields will have some knowledge of virtual currencies already.
Making the General Public Aware of Crypto
Perhaps a more effective way of reaching the mainstream public is through pop culture. According to Yahoo! Finance, one of the most well-known families in TV, the Simpsons, is now also getting in on that Bitcoin action.
The Simpsons : Tapped Out game adds an interesting new update. ? #bitcoin pic.twitter.com/kbveN2jmT4
— Armin van Bitcoin ⚡ (@ArminVanBitcoin) May 15, 2018
The Simpsons: Tapped Out, which is a freemium game available on iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire, has added a new quest called ‘Crypto Cool’. One of the tasks is to get one of the characters to talk about blockchain technology without ever actually explaining it. Probably not conducive to getting the public to better understand it, but entertaining nonetheless.
After mentioning the term ‘blockchain’ the requested number of times, the player will need to ask three youngsters to mine Bitcoin.
This is not the first time that The Simpsons has mentioned the world’s most well-known crypto as it was also featured in 2013 and 2014 episodes. In addition, they are not the only TV series showing some crypto love.
It’s Not Just The Simpsons
Last year saw The Big Bang Theory devote a whole episode to Bitcoin, while 2012 saw The Good Wife feature an episode titled ‘Bitcoin for Dummies’. In the latter, the lead character represents the supposed lawyer of Satoshi Nakamoto, the elusive creator of Bitcoin. Other shows that mention Bitcoin include Family Guy and House of Cards.
However, it’s not just the TV industry that is interested in crypto. Well-known names in the music business have also expressed an interest in Bitcoin. Kanye West recently discussed how he’s keen on crypto, referring to US dollars as being reminders of slavery.
Piquing public interest
The Simpsons: Tapped Out was launched in 2012 by EA Mobile at a time when Bitcoin and blockchain interest was substantially lower than it is today.
Perhaps by slipping in crypto and decentralization terminology on more mainstream platforms like games, TV, and music, we may see more people show initial interest before whipping out their digital wallets to be an active part of the crypto movement.
What do you think about the latest addition to this game? Is pop culture the key to public awareness of cryptocurrencies? Let us know in the comments below!
Images courtesy of Shutterstock, Twitter/@ArminVanBitcoin
