A new mobile game inspired by Pokémon is taking the UK by storm, but instead of catching virtual creatures, players are capturing their local politicians. Politidex, a free online app, allows users to build their own political party by catching and training MPs and councillors through debates.
Gameplay and Features
Launched on 6 May, Politidex features more than 18,000 characters, including all 650 MPs and thousands of local councillors. In just one week, players have fought over 45,000 battles and caught more than 17,000 politicians. Unlike traditional Pokémon battles, players must engage in political debates to acquire politicians, targeting an approval rating instead of a health bar. Moves include PMQs barrages, recount calls, and embarrassing soundbites.
Senior MPs like Diane Abbott have advanced moves such as select committee and policy statement, while others reference controversies: Ed Miliband's bacon sandwich or Angela Rayner's exoneration (updated after HMRC investigation news). Rare finds include Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage, while Rachel Blake of Cities of London and Westminster wields a powerful international sanctions attack.
Creator's Vision
Fred Parry, the 28-year-old game developer behind Politidex, designed the game to avoid antagonizing politicians or depicting violence. I wanted battles to be from a political angle,
he said. Parry hopes the game will humanize politics and educate players about local and national politicians. Most people are suspicious of politicians, which is sad. Hopefully, this flips the narrative: instead of defeating them, you catch and train them up,
he explained.
The idea sparked on April Fool's Day. Parry built Politidex in a month using AI tools for software and game design, acknowledging some backlash but noting the game wouldn't exist without them. The local elections underscored the app's relevance: I realized people might not know their local MP. I even forgot mine,
Parry admitted.
Player and MP Reactions
Players like Will, a 19-year-old fine arts student, find the game educational: It's a cool tool to get to know your local MPs or councillors.
Parry reports a really wholesome
response from Westminster, with MPs catching themselves and calling it hilarious. The gameplay remains neutral with tongue-in-cheek chaos; Nigel Farage's border control move is balanced by milkshake.
Parry concludes: If we're angry in politics and quick to judge, we probably need to know their names first. This builds awareness of who they are and where they work.
