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Australian Bureau of Statistics releases a free strategy game that uses real census data

The Australian Bureau of Statistics released, Run That Town, a free iOS strategy game using real 2011 census data.

The game grants players with leadership of any Australian neighborhood they wish. Players then use the real census data of the neighborhood's zip code to develop the area and influence residents. The game features hundreds of development projects — such as pools, stadiums, casinos, theme parks — and allows players to poll "residents" before beginning construction.

If residents are angry overall with leadership decisions, then the player can be chased out of town by an angry mob, where popular leaders are given ticker tape parades.

The Australian Census is conducted Australian-wide every five years, with the last census carried out on Aug. 9, 2011. The census captures key information about Australian households for electoral purposes and planning the distribution of local and federal government funds.