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With the most important US presidential election in many years only a few weeks away, the media has been swamped with political debate and discussion. It has also been the most charged race in a long time, with fervent supporters of both sides shouting to the rooftops. Films like 'Farhenheit 9/11', books like 'Bushwacked' and even comics ('Everyman: Be The People') are trying to sway the electorate like in any healthy democracy. So then, should games be trying to do something similar? After all, they're just as valid a form of expression, right?

Should games be used as political mouthpieces?

EraZeR:

Well, I think games partly already do this (like Freedom Fighters etc), and it would be hard to stop, since the games will probably do this more and more (take a look at Hollywood movies, a lot of them have patriotic and US propaganda).

For me, the answer is no, because I think it would be missused. But as I said, I think we will see more and more of it, and there isn't much I can do about it even if I say no in this post

Cube Chris:

Games are for entertainment purposes, and realistic political issues can sometimes make somewhat offensive titles, which on a whole wouldn't be accepted. I wouldn't find recent political events exciting in a video game. Games are an escape from the normal, let's not mix the two that much.

Hellfire:

Well, some games have stories that are mainly around politics, but they're usually made up (Rainbow Six, Splinter Cell, Metal Gear), using real politicians and real stories might touch some things that are supposed to be left alone, so it's too risky for developers to make a game that might get banned. Besides, apart from wars, what can be used from the real world politics to make an interesting game? Fiction can be much more interesting than real life.

Choze:

The thing with games however is that they prioritize play over all else. Therefore it's a different thing from movies or documentaries which are passive listening and watching experiences.

mattcube:

No. It's hard enough try to create a plot let alone themes, subtext etc.

These would need to be done because an out an out political game would be impossible, like say Farhenheit 9/11. Books can do that in the same way you could read a satire, or a dystopic novel yet you could also read a Michael Moore book but less so for entertainment. Sure to read the damn thing you need good writing, gift of the gab etc. To put you in a mindset to read about the issues in order to educate and enlighten yourself. You couldn't have a straight political game because games have to be FUN. Let's face it - all that crap about art etc. is periphery. Basic element in games is fun. Where would that come from?

Sure political films cause debate and discussion and books make you think but there is nothing ... interactive, about them. Your take at it. You told a point of view. Unless you had a game about an election then you couldn't do it. And no one would buy or make that because it's the wrong target audience.

A game with political insight would have to be a contextual or retrospective commentary. For example a film maybe about the Wild West but whats it's actually repesenting is the Reagan era of right wing 'every man for himself' philosophy (please email me if you find a film that fits this example). In a sense you get that commentary in games already although they comment on different things like GTA:VC you could say reflects on 80's television. These would take skill to turn to a political form and with development times they would have to be retrospective, so technically NOT a mouthpiece. You could have more contempary themes but that would be difficult. You could say for example that current trends in genre etc could reflect the times - e.g. splinter cell etc. is playing on "the war on terror". Again though NOT a mouthpiece.

Another issue is audience. The mainstream will never 'get it' nor require it from their games. The difference between symbolism and what the question seems to be aiming at is the main theme of the game but be political not just have political references. Who would buy such a game? Gamers may see a political film but will people interested in politics want to play a game? Mostly, no. They would however, see a film or watch a TV programme since this is more accessible and just a tool to get the information in an easy way. It's also cheaper.

To summarise: you could not directly make a political propoganda game due to the nature of games themselves, not indirectly either going by track record of storytelling. It would fit the gaming audience and it would be clumsy way to put across your point.

Game should not and CANNOT be used as political mouthpieces.

Hero-Of-Time:

I think that games should not at all include political messages. Games are just that: GAMES! I know for a fact I wouldn't want to play a Mario game and get an ending with Mario saying "Stay in school" or "Winners don't use drugs" or even some type of anti-war slogan. The point is, like so many have stated, is that games are there for pure enjoyment and to escape from the stress and hardships of realife. If I wanted to see political messages I would watch a party political broadcast...not that I will do that anytime soon.

oldie:

Part of me is thinking that games are art and hence the artist (developers) should be able to express themselves in the way in which they fit.

Although the rest of me thinks that they're games, not art. Just games at the end of the day and are above or sideways from politics. Possibly escapism, definitely entertainment and they should be fun and generally speaking harmless and not out to put forth a political opinion only to be good to play, which is hard enough.

I think I lean towards the latter.

There you have it. But if you didn't take part in the forums, why not reply with your thoughts below? Obviously no-one wants to see Mario telling them what to think, but nonetheless is there a place in videogaming for political themes or messages?