Civic and politics simulations, also known as life-sim politics games are a type of video game that allows players to experience and manage the complexities of governing a city, state, or country. These games typically involve feedback loops where the player’s decisions have consequences that affect the game world, and trade-offs where the player must balance competing priorities and interests.
The goal of these games is to promote systems thinking and systems literacy which involve understanding how complex systems work and how to manage them effectively. By playing these games, players can develop a deeper understanding of the emergent behavior that arises from the interactions of individual components within a system.
Modeling feedback loops and trade-offs
Civic and politics simulations model feedback loops and trade-offs in a variety of ways. For example, a game might include a budgeting system where the player must allocate resources among different priorities, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The player’s decisions will have consequences, such as increased crime rates if the player allocates too few resources to law enforcement, or improved public health if the player invests in healthcare.
These games also often include random events or unpredictable outcomes that can affect the game world, requiring the player to adapt and respond to changing circumstances. This helps to promote player agency and critical thinking as the player must analyze the situation and make decisions based on their understanding of the system.
Ethical design and player agency
Civic and politics simulations can also promote ethical design and player agency by allowing players to make choices that reflect their own values and priorities. For example, a game might include a policy-making system where the player can create and implement policies on issues such as taxation, education, or environmental protection.
By giving players the ability to make choices and shape the game world, civic and politics simulations can help to promote civic engagement and community involvement. Players can develop a sense of ownership and responsibility for the game world, and can learn about the importance of participatory governance and inclusive decision-making.
Conclusion
By promoting systems literacy and player agency these games can help to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and can inspire players to become more engaged and active citizens.
