A new mobile game called Politidex, inspired by Pokémon Go, allows players to 'catch' and train UK politicians, including MPs and local councillors. Launched on 6 May, the free app features over 18,000 characters and has already seen more than 45,000 battles and 17,000 politicians 'caught'. Players travel through constituencies, debating wild politicians to acquire them, using parliamentary maneuvers like 'PMQs barrage' or 'embarrassing soundbite'. Senior MPs like Diane Abbott have advanced moves such as 'select committee', while others reference gaffes, like Ed Miliband's 'bacon sandwich'. Creator Fred Parry, a 28-year-old game developer, aims to humanize politics and flip the narrative from antagonism to positive engagement. The game uses AI for artwork, sparking some backlash, but Parry says it was essential for development. Players have responded positively, with some MPs even catching themselves. Parry hopes the game will increase awareness of local politicians and make politics more accessible.
