The UK's top mobile game, No. 10: Full Confidence, puts players in the role of prime minister, challenging them to survive political turmoil. Developed by solo developer Benjamin Brewis, the satirical survival game is now available on iOS, macOS, and Android after topping the paid Apple App Store charts.
Gameplay and Factions
Players must maintain approval ratings across four factions: Cabinet, backbenchers, media, and the general public. Decisions that please one group may anger another. For example, players might respond to three MPs missing a crucial vote because they were playing cards with a trade delegation. The game ends when any faction's approval hits zero.
Real-World Parallels
The game taps into recent UK political instability, with six prime ministers in the last decade. The current average player lasts 2 years and 11 months—longer than the last three real PMs and close to Theresa May and Boris Johnson's tenures. Liz Truss lasted only 50 days, while Rishi Sunak served less than two years before Labour won in 2024. The real-life high score remains Tony Blair at 10 years, followed by David Cameron at six years.
Development and Success
Brewis built the game in six months, launching it on the Apple Store in May 2026. It reached number one in the paid App Store, briefly beating Minecraft. Priced at £2.99, it also offers a 'special adviser pack' as an in-game purchase. Brewis acknowledged the accidental timing given the current political climate.
Impact and Reception
According to Brewis, the game's success reflects public fascination with political survival. Whether it fosters sympathy for former PMs remains uncertain, but the game's high score seems unlikely to be beaten in real life soon.
