Can Video Games Be Used for Political Propaganda?

Phillip Keenan

AUTHOR

Political propaganda has been a powerful tool in shaping public opinion for centuries, appearing in films, television, literature, and other media. As video games have evolved from simple arcade entertainment to immersive, story-driven experiences, they have become another platform for political messaging.

With gaming's vast audience—reaching billions across the world—governments, corporations, and advocacy groups have recognized the potential of video games to influence public perception. But can video games be used as tools for political propaganda, and if so, how? This article explores the history, methods, examples, and ethical debates surrounding political messaging in video games.

The History of Propaganda in Entertainment Media

Before video games, political propaganda was common in traditional media:

  • Film & Television: From World War II-era propaganda films to Cold War-era spy thrillers, governments have used storytelling to promote nationalistic and ideological messages.
  • Print & Literature: Dystopian novels such as 1984 and Brave New World were often responses to political climates, shaping societal views on government control and freedom.
  • Music & Art: Political messaging in music, from protest songs to state-sponsored anthems, has influenced movements and public discourse.

As digital technology advanced, gaming emerged as a new way to reach audiences. With their interactive nature, video games can go beyond passive storytelling, immersing players in experiences that subtly—or overtly—promote political narratives.

How Video Games Can Serve as Political Propaganda

Video games have a unique ability to shape opinions through immersion, interactivity, and choice-driven narratives. Here’s how they can be used as tools for political messaging:

1. Storytelling and Narrative Design

Some video games incorporate political themes, ideologies, or government messaging into their stories. By placing players in immersive scenarios, these games can influence how they perceive historical events, social issues, or nationalistic ideals.

For example, war games like Call of Duty and Battlefield often depict military conflicts through the lens of Western powers, reinforcing specific geopolitical narratives. In contrast, indie games like Papers, Please critique authoritarian regimes, shaping how players think about surveillance and immigration policies.

2. Government-Funded or Endorsed Games

Some governments actively create or fund video games to promote their interests. A prime example is America’s Army, a first-person shooter released in 2002 by the U.S. military as both a recruitment tool and a way to familiarize players with military operations.

Other countries, including China and Russia, have also developed games to promote national pride, military service, or historical narratives that align with state ideologies.

3. In-Game Advertisements and Political Messaging

With the rise of online gaming, political campaigns and advocacy groups have started using in-game ads to reach voters.

Examples include:

  • Joe Biden’s 2020 Presidential Campaign purchasing ad space in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, allowing players to place digital campaign signs in their in-game worlds.
  • Fortnite hosting in-game discussions on racial justice with political and social figures.
  • Grand Theft Auto Online including satirical in-game political ads, sometimes mirroring real-world issues.

These tactics highlight how games can serve as a political engagement platform, particularly for younger audiences.

4. Manipulation of Player Data and Behavior

With AI and data analytics advancing, some fear that video games could be used to subtly shape opinions and behaviors. Algorithms could be designed to reinforce certain political perspectives through in-game choices, rewards, or narratives.

For example, a game might present moral dilemmas where one political viewpoint consistently leads to “positive” outcomes, while alternative choices result in failure or punishment—subtly influencing how players perceive real-world issues.

Notable Examples of Political Messaging in Video Games

Several video games have either intentionally or unintentionally contained political propaganda. Some key examples include:

1. America’s Army (2002-Present)

  • A U.S. Army-funded game designed to boost military recruitment.
  • Promotes teamwork, discipline, and the perspective of the U.S. military.
  • Criticized for glamorizing war and targeting young, impressionable players.

2. Call of Duty & Battlefield Series

  • Frequently depict Western military forces as heroic while portraying enemy forces (often Middle Eastern, Russian, or Asian) as threats.
  • Some missions are inspired by real-world conflicts but often simplify or distort history.
  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) faced backlash for depicting a real-life U.S. military attack (the "Highway of Death") as being committed by Russian forces.

3. Six Days in Fallujah (2024)

  • Based on the real-life Iraq War battle, developed with input from U.S. Marines.
  • Accused of presenting a one-sided, sanitized view of a highly controversial war.
  • Critics argue it omits the suffering of Iraqi civilians, reinforcing Western military narratives.

4. Red Alert & Metal Gear Series

  • Cold War-era games that often reinforce Western fears about communism and authoritarianism.
  • Metal Gear Solid critiques government surveillance and military-industrial complex.

5. Papers, Please (2013)

  • Places players in the role of an immigration officer in a fictional authoritarian state.
  • Critiques government bureaucracy, surveillance, and authoritarian control.
  • Though not tied to a specific ideology, the game promotes skepticism of oppressive governments.

The Ethical Debate: Should Video Games Be Used for Political Messaging?

The use of video games for political propaganda raises ethical concerns. While some argue that games should be platforms for political expression, others worry about manipulation and bias.

Arguments in Favor of Political Messaging in Games:

Legitimate form of artistic and political expression – Like books and films, games should have the freedom to explore political themes.
Games as educational tools – Some games can help players understand real-world issues, history, and government policies.
Promotes engagement in social issues – Games like This War of Mine raise awareness of the horrors of war from a civilian perspective.

Arguments Against Political Messaging in Games:

Potential for manipulation – Governments or corporations could use games to subtly indoctrinate players.
Bias in storytelling – Many political messages in games present one-sided narratives, omitting alternative perspectives.
Loss of trust in gaming as entertainment – Players may grow frustrated if they feel that political messaging is forced into games rather than occurring naturally.

The Future of Political Propaganda in Gaming

As technology advances, political messaging in video games is likely to become more sophisticated. Trends to watch include:

  • More Governments Creating or Influencing Games – Expect more state-funded projects designed to promote national interests.
  • AI and Personalized Political Messaging – AI-driven game narratives may dynamically adjust to reinforce specific viewpoints.
  • Rise of Counter-Propaganda Games – Independent developers may create games that challenge or critique government messaging.
  • Regulation and Oversight – As political messaging in games becomes more prevalent, calls for regulation may increase, particularly regarding propaganda targeting younger players.

Whether video games remain primarily entertainment-driven or continue evolving into tools of political influence depends on how developers, players, and policymakers navigate the ethical and creative challenges ahead.

Conclusion

Video games have already proven to be powerful tools for political messaging. Whether through explicit propaganda, government-funded projects, or subtle narrative choices, they have the ability to shape opinions, reinforce ideologies, and influence public discourse.

While some argue that gaming should remain politically neutral, the reality is that as an art form and industry, it will continue reflecting—and sometimes shaping—political realities. The key question is not whether video games can be used for political propaganda, but rather how they should be used and who controls the messaging.

The future of gaming may not just be about entertainment—it may be about influence.


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