Using immersive learning simulations, we bring politics and issues to life.

It may be true that for most young people, going out of your way to find out about and take an interest in politics in the first place is virtually unheard of.  However, it is also true that government does not do enough to make the dry world of policy-making accessible to young people.   At PlayGen, we believe there is a serious gap between government and citizens that Serious Games and simulations can play a part in filling.

What we did:

PlayGen developed SeriousPolicy, which places the citizen in the shoes of a senior civil servant dealing with the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer. The simulation explains the policy making process and encourages younger people to make their voice heard.

The game sets the player on a mission to win Treasury funding for a new policy. Players can get advice from Tony Blair, exasperate Alistair Darling for funds, or receive hailed blessings from the Prime Minister. Along the way, you wander through a virtual Members’ Lobby, pop into a simulated Treasury and are summoned to a stunningly realistic digital Number 10. A Paris Hilton look-alike provides some light relief and the MC has more than a passing resemblance to Keira Knightly.

The benefits:

The launch of this game received prime time coverage across the BBC, CNN and Sky News, bringing politics to life in a new context for young people. With tens of thousands of citizens playing the game to date, it has achieved a far wider reach than a typical government consultation document.

• Demonstrates how political processes and decision-making can be brought to life in a fun and interesting way through a virtual world.
• Highlights to players, whether they be citizens or policy makers, the importance of public engagement in the decision-making process.
• Raises awareness about the policy-making processes that directly affect citizens.