I survived two years as prime minister in a hit new game - then my cabinet deserted me

A mobile game developed by Manchester-based Benjamin Brewis, titled "No 10: Full Confidence," has achieved remarkable success, even surpassing the global phenomenon Minecraft to claim the top spot on Apple's paid games chart. The game's subject matter, UK politics, makes its popularity even more surprising.

“

I have a two or three-part storyline where a dog is let loose into the House of Lords by a lobbyist during a vet bill and that spirals out of control.

"No 10: Full Confidence" is a prime minister simulator where players step into the shoes of the UK's leader. The objective is to navigate a series of parliamentary scenarios, balancing the moods of various factions including the cabinet, backbenchers, the media, and the public, in an effort to remain in power for as long as possible. Brewis crafted over 300 fictional political scenarios, drawing inspiration from both mundane political tasks and absurd situations.

“

I'd remember that MP who had a spider that he'd threaten MPs with, or when Boris Johnson walked into a fridge. I'm frantically writing them all down.

Brewis's storylines range from dealing with practical issues like GP appointment waiting times to more outlandish scenarios, such as a lobbyist releasing a dog into the House of Lords during a debate on a vet bill, which then spirals out of control. Each scenario presents players with three choices, and the outcome can please or displease different factions. As in real politics, if a significant faction turns against the player, their political career ends.

“

the PM was warned

Despite the often farcical nature of some scenarios, Brewis stated he had ample real-life examples to fuel his creativity. He cited instances like an MP who threatened others with a spider or Boris Johnson walking into a fridge. The game's design encourages players to make quick decisions, mirroring the high-pressure environment of political leadership. The article notes that while the author's own attempt at playing prime minister was short-lived, ending after less than two years due to press distrust, some players have achieved remarkable longevity within the game, with one player reportedly staying in power for 157 years.

“

Someone has stayed in for 1,885 months, which is 157 years