# Games and Public Policy This note is for exploring how games can be used to think about, communicate, or influence public policy. It includes examples where gameplay helps people experience the complexity, uncertainty, and strategies involved in making or shaping policy decisions. --- ## Entries **[[2025-05-29]]**: I discovered this through the always excellent [[Giulio Quaggiotto]], an endless source of ideas, innovation and connections. [P-CUBE](https://www.p-cube-project.eu/the-project/) is a strategic educational game designed to simulate public policy decision-making. Players act as policy entrepreneurs trying to advance science-informed policies on topics such as euthanasia, psychedelics, and tobacco regulation. What’s striking is its use of real-world complexity. Players must navigate coalitions, public controversies, and institutional forums. They must also consider strategies like Gandhian civil disobedience. It's a powerful tool for rethinking how we teach policy and the impact of science. **[[2025-05-28]]**: > I found the _[Be the Chancellor](https://ifs.org.uk/be-chancellor)_ tool super interesting. Developed by IFS and [[Nesta]], it lets you explore the trade-offs the UK government faces in the upcoming Spending Review - balancing NHS funding, fiscal rules, and potential tax hikes. A great way to grasp the real constraints behind policy priorities. **[[2025-05-28]]**: I came across this [Nesta piece](https://www.nesta.org.uk/blog/how-use-games-involve-public-decisions-about-research-and-innovation-policy/) and found it particularly interesting. It maps out how games have been used not only for public understanding of science or citizen science, but also (though less frequently) for engaging the public in decisions around research and innovation policy. The examples range from Minecraft in urban planning consultations to more structured tools like the Scenario Exploration System and Nesta’s own policy board game. It’s a useful overview of how game mechanics can open space for more inclusive and strategic conversations about complex policy issues.