Zona Eleitoral: A Turn-Based Strategy Game for Political Education

Zona Eleitoral is an innovative turn-based strategy game designed to simulate the complexities of municipal elections in Brazil. Unlike traditional games, Zona Eleitoral combines elements of political education, humor, and strategic decision-making, making it both engaging and educational. The game is completely free to download and play, ensuring no intrusive ads or hidden costs. As a "pay-to-win" free game, it emphasizes fair gameplay where success depends solely on skill and strategy.

Set in the fictional city of Tubaúba, players take on the role of a mayoral candidate, navigating the intricate world of political campaigns. From managing limited resources to deciding between investing in television advertisements or organizing street rallies, every choice matters. Players must balance multiple factors such as upgrading their campaign committees, recruiting canvassers, and addressing various issues affecting voters. The game’s turn-based format allows players ample time to plan their moves carefully, fostering thoughtful decision-making rather than rushed actions.

Zona Eleitoral doesn’t just entertain; it educates. By immersing players in the electoral process, the game highlights essential concepts like resource management, strategic planning, and civic engagement. Its alignment with the 2024 municipal elections further amplifies its impact, encouraging public awareness—especially among younger audiences who are voting for the first time. Through accessible gameplay mechanics and relatable scenarios, the game demystifies the workings of the electoral system while promoting democratic values.

The beta version of Zona Eleitoral became available for download starting September 7th across major mobile app stores. This strategic release coincides with the official campaign period for real-world elections, creating synergy between virtual and actual experiences. During this phase, the game underwent rigorous testing in schools and youth-focused initiatives within Ubatuba, São Paulo. Feedback gathered during these trials helped refine gameplay mechanics and assess how effectively players absorbed key lessons about politics and governance.

Developed collaboratively by Fisch Sibs, Ilex Games, and Casa do Saci Audiovisual, Zona Eleitoral received recognition at prominent events like Games for Change Latin America Pitch in 2023 and Gamescom Latam in 2024. These accolades underscore the project’s commitment to leveraging gaming technology for social good. While currently in active development, future updates promise expanded content including additional maps, diverse candidates, enhanced tools, and even cross-platform compatibility for PCs and Macs. User input remains integral throughout this iterative process, allowing developers to continuously improve the experience based on community feedback.

At its core, Zona Eleitoral represents more than just entertainment—it serves as a bridge connecting individuals to broader themes of democracy, responsibility, and participation. Whether played solo against AI opponents or collaboratively with friends via hotseat mode, the game accommodates groups of up to four players simultaneously. Its emphasis on strategy ensures no two sessions are alike, offering endless possibilities for exploration and learning.

In summary, Zona Eleitoral stands out as a unique contribution to both gaming culture and civic education. By blending humor, strategy, and simulation, it invites players to engage critically with the democratic process while having fun. With ongoing improvements planned and growing recognition internationally, this project holds immense potential to inspire future generations of informed citizens.