The world of mobile gaming has taken an unexpected turn with the rise of politically-themed games, and it's not just any old politics - it's UK politics. No. 10: Full Confidence, a game developed by Benjamin Brewis, has topped Apple's paid games chart, beating the likes of Minecraft. This is remarkable, considering its subject matter: the tumultuous world of Westminster.
In this game, players step into the shoes of the UK Prime Minister, navigating a sea of parliamentary scenarios and attempting to maintain their grip on power. It's a delicate balancing act, as players must manage the moods of four key factions: the cabinet, backbenchers, the media, and the public. With over 300 fictional scenarios, each decision made can either please or upset these groups, and one wrong move can lead to political demise.
The Absurdity of Political Life
What makes this game particularly fascinating is its blend of the mundane and the absurd. From dealing with GP appointment waiting times to a storyline involving a dog unleashed in the House of Lords, it mirrors the often bizarre nature of real-world politics. As Brewis puts it, "I'd remember that MP who had a spider that he'd threaten MPs with, or when Boris Johnson walked into a fridge." These moments of political farce are a reminder that sometimes reality is stranger than fiction.
A Game of Survival
I decided to give the game a go, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint-hearted. As my character, Verity Grimshaw, I managed to navigate through a crisis involving A-level grades, but my political career was short-lived. After just over a year and a half, I was taken down by the press, a somewhat ironic twist given my actual job as a technology reporter. A cabinet minister's resignation letter, read out in full on BBC Radio 4, was the final nail in Verity's coffin. It just goes to show how delicate the balance of power can be.
The Churn of Prime Ministers
The success of No. 10: Full Confidence, and other similar games like Fantasy Parliament and UK Politics Simulator, can be attributed to the recent ebb and flow of Westminster. As Dr. Russell Foster, a lecturer in British and International Politics, points out, the rapid turnover of prime ministers and the growing presence of politics on social media have created a perfect storm for these games. Since 2016, five different people have occupied 10 Downing Street, with three prime ministers in just over three years. It's a chaotic and fascinating time for UK politics, and these games offer a unique way to engage with and understand this complex world.
A New Sub-Genre
The popularity of these politically-themed games suggests a new sub-genre is emerging. It's a genre that blends strategy, decision-making, and a healthy dose of satire. While it's unclear if any politicians themselves have played these games, the feedback from those in the civil service suggests it captures the essence of UK political life. As Brewis's friends put it, "It's exactly like this, but worse."
The Future of Political Gaming
With the success of No. 10: Full Confidence and other similar games, it's exciting to think about the future of this sub-genre. Will we see more games that delve into the intricacies of political life? Will they continue to reflect the absurdity and chaos of real-world politics? One thing is certain: these games offer a unique and engaging way to explore and understand the complex world of politics, and I, for one, am eager to see what comes next.
