A new free mobile game called Politidex, inspired by Pokémon Go, allows players to catch and train UK politicians. Launched on 6 May, the game features over 18,000 characters, including all 650 MPs and thousands of local councillors. Within a week, players have fought more than 45,000 battles and caught over 17,000 politicians.
Instead of traditional Pokémon battles, players must 'debate' wild politicians to acquire them. They target an opponent's 'approval rating' with parliamentary manoeuvres such as questions at PMQs, calling for a recount, or using embarrassing soundbites. Senior MPs like Diane Abbott have advanced moves such as 'select committee' and 'policy statement', while others reference controversies, like Ed Miliband's 'bacon sandwich' or Angela Rayner's 'second home', recently updated to 'exoneration'.
Some MPs are rare, including Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage. Others unlock powerful attacks; for instance, Rachel Blake, MP for Cities of London and Westminster, can use 'international sanctions'. The game's creator, 28-year-old Fred Parry, aimed to avoid antagonising MPs or depicting violence. 'I wanted battles to be more from a political angle,' he said.
Parry hopes Politidex will 'humanise' politics and help people learn about their local representatives. 'Most people are suspicious of politicians, which is really sad,' he said. 'Hopefully, this flips the narrative – instead of defeating politicians, you're catching and training them up.' The idea came on April Fool's Day, and Parry built the game in a month using AI tools, which attracted some backlash over artwork.
Players have responded positively. Will, a 19-year-old student, said: 'I found myself learning more about where certain MPs are. It could be a cool tool to get to know your local MPs or councillors.' Westminster's reaction has been 'really wholesome', according to Parry, with MPs messaging to say they have caught themselves in the game.
