Games About Socialism

‘Socialism’ carries a plurality of meanings in today’s political sphere, and videogames reflect that plurality. To capture the various ways in which socialism is depicted, this gallery show presents a flight of six videogames, each of which offers a unique perspective. Some of these games serve as vehicles of history and culture; some prescribe strategy and action for today and tomorrow; others, renouncing seriousness all together, transform flags and manifestos into playgrounds of comedic possibilities.

Games lineup:

Svoboda 1945: Liberation by Charles Games

Svoboda 1945: Liberation is a unique adventure game featuring dialogues with real actors. Talk to witnesses of the chaotic aftermath of World War 2 and discover the secret history of your own family in a captivating story about reconciliation with the dark past.

https://svoboda1945.com/

Democratic Socialism Simulator by Paolo Pedercini @molleindustria

The Democratic Socialism Simulator lets you play as the first socialist president of the United States! Enact radical reforms, tax the rich, transform the economy, tackle the most pressing issues without alienating voters or bankrupting the government. But beware: the ruling class won’t give up its power easily.

http://www.molleindustria.org/demsocsim/

Crisis in the Kremlin by Kremlingames

Crisis in the Kremlin is a game set in the Perestroyka era, where you are set to reign over the Soviet Union during this harsh period and lead it to a bright future by anyway you like!

Do you think democracy and the free market are salvation? Or maybe Democratic Socialism? Maybe Christian Conservatism? Utopian Communism? Or, perhaps dictatorships and deification are the way to go! All possibilites are open!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/599750/Crisis_in_the_Kremlin/

Papers, Please

The communist state of Arstotzka has just ended a 6-year war with neighboring Kolechia and reclaimed its rightful half of the border town, Grestin. Your job as immigration inspector is to control the flow of people entering the Arstotzkan side of Grestin from Kolechia. Among the throngs of immigrants and visitors looking for work are hidden smugglers, spies, and terrorists. Using only the documents provided by travelers and the Ministry of Admission’s primitive inspect, search, and fingerprint systems, you must decide who can enter Arstotzka and who will be turned away or arrested.

https://papersplea.se/

Tonight We Riot Pixel Pushers Union 512 @PPU512

Tonight We Riot is a revolutionary crowd-based retro brawler featuring couch co-op. The game follows a player-controlled crowd of workers rather than a single character, each member with their own weapons, to fight against Pinkertons, militias, and police as they move their way through a level. Players can inspire more workers to join the crowd by liberating factories and encouraging more workers to join the fight.

https://tonightweriot.com/

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 by Westwood Pacific

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 is a real-time strategy videogame released in 2000 featuring alternative history and full-motion videos. It is set in an alternative Cold War timeline and contains two playable factions, the Soviets and the Allies. Not only a milestone in game history, it was also a vehicle of collective memory in post-reform China, as it took over every internet cafe and became a household name.

https://www.ea.com/games/command-and-conquer/command-and-conquer-remastered