This blog post, written by members of the Library's Information Integrity Team, is part of a series that covers disinformation and other related subjects. The goal is to help create a well-informed citizenry of active participants who shape our world.
Over this series on misinformation and disinformation there has been a lot of discussion on tactics used to make someone believe in a narrative. However, it’s one thing to see examples of these methods being used and another to do them yourself. So here’s a list of games for all ages that center around the spread of misinformation, where you can gain knowledge that will help you protect yourself and loved ones.
Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility!
Get Bad News
Make posts to gain influence while keeping yourself credible in this game where you learn the techniques used to spread misinformation.
Find it here!
Harmony Square
In Harmony Square you’ll use similar tactics to take down the happy Harmony Square and cause chaos throughout! It’s a little more in-depth than Get Bad News, but the mechanics are similar.
Find it here!
Cat Park
Another game with a similar feel and from the same game developers as both Get Bad news and Harmony Square is Cat Park. This game is unique from the others in that not only do you go through the process of creating havoc and spreading disinformation to take down the local cat park, but you also go through the process of fixing the damage done by your spread of disinformation.
Go Viral!
Don’t have time for a full game? Go Viral! Is a game backed by the World Health Organization as a quick, five-minute run to spread disinformation
Find it here!
Fake It to Make It
This is one of my favorite games on this list. Your goal is to create news sites that will earn you enough money for music equipment, an apartment deposit, or a new car! Be sure to mix the right amount of credibility with drama in your articles to get the clicks and money from ad revenue!
This game has you using a variety of tactics to make news sites appear credible while spreading altered or false information. It provides a good amount of challenge as well!
Find it here!
Libertas Veritas: Freedom and Truth
If you’re looking for a bit more dramatic of a game, then Libertas Veritas is for you! You are an underling, trying to turn the favor of the public towards the Glorious Leader. Definitely more difficult than the others, but short and with fifteen possible endings, this one is worth a play if it piques your interest!
Find it here!
All of these short games are worth a play, and the knowledge you can gain from them is indispensable. They will help provide an understanding of misinformation and how it spreads. Besides, who doesn’t want to bring a little trouble to Harmony Square? Pineapple on pizza. Please.
