The Political Machine 2024

Stardock

Rank: #1 / 10
Released: 2024
Studio: Stardock
Genre: government simulation game

At a glance

The Political Machine 2024 is a political strategy game from Stardock in which players campaign for the US presidency. Choose a candidate from the listed roster, including Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Dean Phillips and Nikki Haley, or create one with the candidate workshop. The game’s simulator accounts for state-level political issues and demographic data, while candidates have distinct ideologies. The 2024 edition adds Political Action Cards, which can be used to support a campaign or disrupt an opponent; the store description gives a fact-check card as an example. Players can campaign against an opposing party’s candidate or take on as many as four primary candidates controlled by the computer or other online players. Steam lists single-player and online PvP, along with achievements, Steam Cloud and Family Sharing. The listed platforms are Windows and macOS on Steam, while the general platform listing names Microsoft Windows.

Who it is for

It suits players interested in campaign strategy, candidate creation and competing over voters. The listed modes offer solo play as well as online contests against other players.

What is good

Choose or create a candidate
Candidates have distinct ideologies
Political Action Cards affect campaigns
Supports single-player and online PvP

What to know first

US presidential campaign setting
Listed platform is Windows
No co-op mode listed

Verdict

The game puts election strategy, candidate differences and campaign actions at its center. Players can run solo or compete online, but the setting is specifically a US presidential race.