Just a thought. Probably some other geek has brought this one up before!
Sounds silly but there's a simulation game for all kinds of empire-building endeavors, in the pattern of "Sim City".
Think of it. You decide to start a cult. You choose Bible-based, marketing, self-improvement, Buddhist, etc. Do you claim to be God in human form, or that your puppet "holy council" has been appointed by a deity, or that God has revealed special knowledge to you? Then you lay out your primary measures of success--numbers of adherents, wealth, power, influence, , etc...then pick your "BITE model" techniques. Set end of the world dates and watch your activity and numbers go up. Demonize outsiders more and public criticism increases., etc., etc.
I know it probably won't generate a whole lot of interest but it sure would be interesting, not to mention educational!