PPG Game Of The Year 2024 - 50 - Political Intrigue (The Good Kind)

Anyone that thinks games aren't, couldn't or shouldn't be political are out of their minds. Everything that exists is created by at least one human with inherent political and social biases. Even in the horror future that techbros envision, where AI is creating games for us, those games will be based off of datasets that were also created by humans. Leaning into politics is the right thing to do. Say something with your art.

CorpoNation: The Sorting Process
Break Free From Corporate Dystopia
PC Gamer's pull quote is apt: “It’s not Brave New World, it’s Sorry To Bother You. It’s the stupid dystopia we find ourselves in now.” An interface driven game with a clear message.

Death From Above
Ukrainian Drone Operator
Use drones to fight against and disrupt Russian invasion forces in support of real life Ukraine from Russia's invasion. From the store page: "30% of our net proceeds directly support two Ukrainian organizations, "Come Back Alive" and "Army of Drones," championing non-offensive aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This way, you can feel confident that your purchase contributes to a worthy cause. Once we’ve broken even on the game production, we will increase our contribution, sending 70% of our net revenues to these good causes. The remaining 30% will be invested in further developing the game.”

Mexico, 1921. A Deep Slumber.
Visually Stunning Story
A really neat story based game with some cool camera mechanics. Historical narrative set in a time of tumult in Mexican history.

Chicago Project
Narrative Driven Cyberpunk Puzzle
Heavy themes and conspiracy surround a top down narrative RPG with some puzzles to keep you mechanically engaged. A "Dark Industrial Soundtrack with a sense of nihilism and cosmos".

And The Best Game That Puts Its Politics Front And Center Of 2024 Is...

Dustborn
Words Have Power
I appreciate a game that, even if it might not stick a landing or lose some threads of ideas at times, just goes for it, you know? Dustborn wears its politics on its sleeves and isn't afraid to say so. It's an excellent piece of punk, anti-establishment media that has plenty to say about the current state of America. The direction the country is headed over the next 4+ years makes the game even more prescient. Well worth your time.