Democratic Characteristics in government simulation videogames
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25029/od.2022.346.22Keywords:
videogames, democracy, government simulatorsAbstract
This paper analyses nine videogames centered on managing a political community by studying the democratic characteristics present in the relationship between the player and the virtual citizens. The political communities of the games are sometimes presented as homogeneous and structured around the leader. In other cases, they appear as plural and unsubmissive. The games show diverse mechanisms of informal citizen counterpower, but the conflict may be presented as political and legitimate, or as a productivity or crime problem. Finally, we note important deficits on the dimensions of deliberation and decision-making participation. Based on these, some alternative mechanics are proposed.
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Ludography (PC):
Democracy 3 (2013). Positech Games, Positech Games
Endless Legend (2014). Amplitude Studios, SEGA
Frostpunk (2018). 11 bit studios, 11 bit studios
Imperivm Civitas III (2009). Haemimont Games, FX Interactive
Pharaoh (1999). Impressions Games, Sierra Entertainment
Sid Meier’s Civilization V (2010). Firaxis Games, 2K Games
Surviving Mars (2018). Haemimont Games, Paradox Interactive
Surviving The Aftermath (2020). Iceflake Studios, Paradox Interactive
Tropico IV (2011). Haemimont Games, Kalypso Media
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