The Onion’s First-Ever Video Game Skewers American Politics Just Ahead of the Midterms
The Onion, the satirical news publication renowned for razor-sharp political commentary, has released its first-ever video game, The Onion Voting Simulator 3D. After launching on The Onion’s website earlier this month, the game is now available for free on Steam.
The short, lo-fi game draws inspiration from classic PC titles like Chex Quest, channeling that retro aesthetic while delivering sharp political satire. It lampoons American democracy itself while also targeting The Onion’s former ownership—a fitting subject for a publication that has built its reputation on relentless political mockery.
The timing of the release is strategic, coinciding with the midterm elections scheduled for November 3. This allows The Onion to leverage gaming as a fresh medium for satire at a moment when American political discourse feels particularly ripe for commentary. Head writer Mike Gillis has noted that the game represents a unique opportunity for the publication to explore satire in an interactive format, potentially opening new avenues for political commentary beyond traditional journalism.