Politics and video games have always had an interesting relationship. While some games use politics as a backdrop for their narratives, others go a step further and place politics at the core of their gameplay mechanics. In this article, we look at ten games with political narratives, offering players a chance to experience the complexities of power, diplomacy, and governance.
Civilization VI (2016)
Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game that puts players in the role of a leader of a civilization, guiding its growth from ancient times to the modern era. With a focus on politics, diplomacy, and warfare, players make crucial decisions to expand their empire and advance their civilization.
The game offers a wide range of choices, from technological research to cultural development, while requiring players to engage in trade, negotiate with other civilizations, and navigate complex international relations. With its immersive gameplay, stunning visuals, and deep strategic elements, Civilization VI provides an engaging and addictive experience for both new and seasoned players alike.
Tropico 6 (2019)
Tropico 6 is a city-building and management game where players take on the role of El Presidente, the ruler of a Caribbean Island nation. The game focuses on the political aspects of governing, requiring players to balance the needs of the people, manage resources, and navigate international relations.
Players must make critical decisions to satisfy different political factions, such as the capitalists, environmentalists, or militarists, while also dealing with external powers seeking to influence their island. With its vibrant tropical setting, quirky humour, and complex gameplay mechanics, Tropico 6 offers a unique and entertaining experience that combines politics, economics, and city-building in a captivating way.
Crusader Kings II (2012)
Crusader Kings II is a grand strategy game where players control a medieval dynasty, aiming to expand their realm and secure a powerful legacy. Politics and diplomacy play a central role, as players must strategically marry into other families, forge alliances, and engage in political intrigue to gain power and influence.
 With an extensive roster of characters, each with their own ambitions and traits, players must navigate complex relationships and manage the realm’s affairs. The game offers a deep and immersive experience, combining historical accuracy with strategic decision-making, as players strive to shape the destiny of their dynasty and leave a lasting mark on the medieval world.
Papers, Please (2013)
Papers, Please is a unique and thought-provoking indie game that puts players in the shoes of an immigration officer in the fictional country of Arstotzka. Set in a dystopian world, the game focuses on the moral dilemmas faced by the player as they process various documents and make decisions that affect the lives of applicants.
Balancing the need for efficiency with compassion, players must carefully examine documents for discrepancies and make judgment calls, all while dealing with the pressure of daily quotas and the threat of terrorist attacks. With its minimalist graphics and compelling gameplay, Papers, Please offers a powerful and emotional exploration of bureaucracy, morality, and empathy.
Democracy 3 (2013)
Democracy 3 is a political simulation game that allows players to take on the role of a leader and shape the destiny of a fictional country. As a dynamic and complex simulation, the game presents players with numerous policy decisions to implement in areas such as economy, crime, healthcare, education, and more.
These decisions have far-reaching consequences and can impact the popularity and stability of your government. With detailed statistics, graphs, and voter groups, Democracy 3 offers a realistic and challenging experience in governing a nation. Whether you aim for a utopian society or face the consequences of political missteps, Democracy 3 provides a deep and engaging look at the complexities of democracy and governance.
This War of Mine (2014)
This War of Mine is a highly immersive and emotionally charged survival game that puts players in the shoes of civilians struggling to survive in a war-torn city. Unlike traditional war games, it focuses on the civilian experience of conflict rather than military action.
Forced to scavenge for food, medicine, and supplies while avoiding snipers and hostile scavengers, players must make difficult choices that can have lasting and profound consequences on their characters’ mental and physical well-being. With its powerful narrative and moral dilemmas, This War of Mine offers a harrowing and thought-provoking experience, shedding light on the devastating human cost of war.
Victoria II (2010)
Victoria II is a grand strategy game that takes players on a journey through the 19th century, allowing them to shape the destiny of a nation. As a leader of a country, players must navigate through economic, political, and military challenges to achieve dominance on the world stage. With a complex web of diplomatic alliances, technological advancements, and colonial opportunities, the game offers a deep and immersive experience.
From managing population growth and social reforms to engaging in battles and expanding territories, Victoria II offers a detailed and historically rich gameplay, providing a captivating insight into the complexities of nation-building during the Victorian era.
Shadowrun: Dragonfall (2014)
Shadowrun: Dragonfall is a cyberpunk role-playing game with a strong focus on politics and intrigue. Set in a dystopian future, players find themselves amid a power struggle within the city of Berlin, where various factions vie for control. The game offers a richly textured world where players must navigate political alliances, make difficult choices, and deal with the consequences of their actions.
The decisions made in the game not only affect the immediate outcome but also have long-term repercussions on the power dynamics of the city. With its nuanced portrayal of political maneuvering and ethical dilemmas, Shadowrun: Dragonfall provides an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of politics in a cyberpunk setting.
Fallout: New Vegas (2010)
Fallout: New Vegas is a role-playing game with a deep and immersive political storyline. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the player character finds themselves in the middle of a power struggle between various factions vying for control of the Mojave Wasteland. The factions range from the New California Republic (NCR), who represent a democratic government (whether the residents want it or not), to the Caesar’s Legion, who are a totalitarian slave empire.
As the player character navigates these factions, they must navigate complex moral dilemmas and make choices that can have far-reaching consequences. With its intricate political system, Fallout: New Vegas offers an engaging exploration of politics and power in a post-apocalyptic context.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
Skyrim is a role-playing game that takes place in a massive open world. While the game does not have a traditional political system, politics and power dynamics are intertwined with much of the gameplay. The player character finds themselves amid a civil war between the Imperial Legion and the native Stormcloaks, with tensions between the two groups stemming from opposing political views.
Additionally, players can interact with various political figures and factions, such as the Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood. Through their actions, players can affect the balance of power in the world of Skyrim, demonstrating the significant impact of political decisions on the game’s overall narrative.
These ten games offer players a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of politics and experience the challenges of governance and decision-making in a virtual world.
Whether you prefer strategy, role-playing, or management games, these titles are sure to provide a thought-provoking and immersive political gaming experience.
Did you enjoy any of the political intrigue in these games? Do you like other video games with political narratives? Comment below and let us know!Â