Democracy (video game)
A government simulation where policy choices shape voter support.
Democracy is a government simulation game series developed by Positech Games, beginning in 2005. The player assumes the role of a president or prime minister, managing policies across seven areas to satisfy voter groups and win elections. The series is notable for its detailed policy simulation and moddable neural-network-based game logic.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Positech Games; Red Marble Games (Mac)
- Publisher
- Positech Games, Tri-Synergy
- Genre
- Government simulation, social simulation
- Modes
- Single player
- Platforms
- Linux
- Windows
- Macintosh
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
After selecting a nation, the player must win support from factions such as the religious, patriotic, parents, capitalists, socialists, liberals, and conservatives to win elections. Policies are introduced using sliders to adjust government funding, tax levels, or regulations. Each voter belongs to multiple factions, making it impossible to please everyone. Before each general election, the player makes two promises, such as reducing unemployment by 10%; failing to keep them increases voter cynicism. Political capital, earned from loyal ministers, is required to change policies. The player must balance the budget and pay off debts without raising taxes so high that they cause tax evasion or lose votes. Events occur due to policies and affect the player without direct involvement. Dilemmas are important decisions that must be resolved to end a turn, while situations are ongoing conditions that require management.
Modding
The game's code is based on a neural network, which facilitates modding. Most game logic is editable in simple text CSV files, allowing players to alter core mechanics. Mods for the first two games, released on the Positech forum, have added new countries, real countries for Democracy 2, factors such as inflation, and enhancements to voter cynicism.
Sequels
Democracy 2, released in December 2007, uses fictional nations and adds cabinet ministers, more policy debates, and real-world statistical data. Democracy 3 was released in October 2013, followed by an 'expandalone' set in Africa, Democracy 3: Africa, with a different simulation model. Democracy 4 entered early access in August 2020 with the United Kingdom, Germany, and United States as playable countries; later updates added Spain, Italy, Canada, Australia, France, Japan, and South Korea. Supplemental add-ons give each country unique dynamics, buffs, debuffs, and new events. Democracy 4 uses an in-house engine coded in C++ by Cliff Harris and Jeff Sheen, with third-party artwork, SFX, and music, and middleware for sound and vector rendering.
Release and reception
The original Democracy was released in 2007 in the United States by Tri-Synergy with added events, policies, and a fictional nation mode. It received mixed reviews on Metacritic. Game Tunnel scored it 8/10 and awarded it their 2005 'Simulation Game of the Year'. About.com rated it 3.5/5. Democracy 3 also received mixed reviews on Metacritic; CD-Action praised its understanding of democracy, while Unwinnable noted inaccuracies regarding death penalty, drug legalization, and labor laws. Democracy 3: Africa, released in early 2016, focuses on African nations and adds features addressing corruption, authoritarianism, military dictatorships, and female genital mutilation. Democracy 4 was announced in September 2018 and released in early access in 2020, produced jointly by Positech Games and Stargazy Studios. New features include simulated corruption, crackdowns on political freedoms, and authoritarianism, with events updated to reflect the time since Democracy 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who developed Democracy (video game)?
Democracy was developed by Positech Games and Red Marble Games (Mac).
What platforms is Democracy (video game) available on?
Democracy was released for Linux, Windows and Macintosh.
Is Democracy (video game) single-player or multiplayer?
Democracy offers single player play.
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