AUTOCRACY

A Video Game Concept that Explores the Workings of a Dictatorship

Tsar Rosete

Research on this topic involved looking at past dictatorships that have happened during the 20^th century; not too distant yet still influential. By looking at past dictatorships, one was able to discern how they ruled, how they retained power, and most of all, how they were able to rise to power. Along with past dictatorships, research also involved concepts and theories that relate to dictatorships, such as the types of dictatorships, what makes a dictatorship, and so on. With all these elements, patterns were found, and how these systems would apply in the 21^st century were conceptualized; all these systems come together to create the game’s mechanics, with a few liberties for gameplay and easier understanding, but with the overall goal to show how they come together to sustain a dictatorship.

Due to limitations of not being able to create a game demo, the output involves a series of concept arts that aims to illustrate the game’s environment and feel, along with how some mechanics may work.

The individual behind this topic is very much into video games, and views it as an effective entertainment medium that has kept them sane throughout the pandemic, especially the times when this very thesis had to be worked on. Alongside entertainment, it is also the medium responsible for spurring their interest in topics that video games have presented, from the sciences, cultures, to even dictatorships. They like looking at topics that pique their interest, break them down, and understand them, for the sake of knowledge. It is this that initially inspired them to do this thesis.

The author does not wish to be contacted.