The Onion’s First-Ever Video Game Skewers American Politics Just Ahead of the Midterms
The Onion, the renowned satirical news publication, has launched The Onion Voting Simulator 3D, marking its first venture into video game development. The free game is now available on Steam, following its earlier release on The Onion’s website this month. Timed with the midterm elections on November 3rd, the game delivers satirical commentary on American democracy and political systems.
The short, lo-fi game draws inspiration from classic PC titles like Chex Quest, staying true to The Onion’s tradition of sharp, irreverent political humor. Beyond mocking American democracy itself, the game also takes aim at The Onion’s former owners, layering multiple targets for its satirical critique. The Onion’s head writer Mike Gillis explained the project’s origins and discussed how the publication views gaming as a unique medium for satire.
This move represents a significant expansion of The Onion’s creative output beyond its traditional written format. By venturing into interactive media, the publication demonstrates its commitment to exploring new platforms for delivering incisive political comedy during a particularly contentious period in American politics.