Rig It – The Political Manipulation Game That Lets You Play the System
Rig It is an immersive, educational political strategy game that exposes how modern influence campaigns, misinformation, and digital manipulation really work. By putting you in the role of a political candidate, Rig It challenges you to win an election in a system where manipulation is rewarded—and ethics come at a cost.
If you’ve ever wondered how deepfakes, bots, and data-driven persuasion shape real-world politics, Rig It turns those invisible mechanisms into gameplay.
What Is Rig It?
In Rig It, your objective is simple: win the election.
How you get there is the real question.
You’ll rise through the political ranks by:
- Deploying deepfake images
- Activating bot networks
- Manipulating public opinion and online narratives
- Exploiting outrage, fear, and confirmation bias
Your popularity may skyrocket—but your credibility can crumble just as fast. Every decision mirrors real-world political manipulation tactics used in elections across the globe.
This isn’t just a game about politics.
It’s a game about the system behind politics.
How Does Rig It Work?
Rig It is designed to simulate the mechanics of modern influence operations in a way that’s engaging, unsettling, and educational.
Core Gameplay Features
- Decision-driven strategy: Every action affects public trust, reach, and perception.
- Trade-offs: Short-term gains can lead to long-term consequences.
- Realistic manipulation tools: Inspired by real digital influence techniques.
- Player awareness: By using manipulation, you learn to recognize it.
The game’s ultimate goal isn’t just winning—it’s understanding how easily people (including ourselves) can be nudged, profiled, and influenced online.
An Educational Game About Information Manipulation
Rig It was created to build media literacy and psychological resilience.
By stepping into the role of a manipulator, players:
- Learn how misinformation spreads
- Understand how algorithms amplify content
- Recognize emotional and cognitive triggers
- Develop resistance to real-world influence campaigns
Importantly, Rig It does not collect any identifying or personal data from players. The experience is entirely focused on learning, reflection, and awareness.
Learn From Real-World Examples
The tactics used in Rig It are not fictional—they’re inspired by real cases of information manipulation, including:
- A fake audio recording of a candidate admitting election fraud that went viral
- Efforts to protect election integrity on TikTok during Romanian elections
- A doctored magazine cover falsely portraying political figures with extremist symbols
- Misleading political charts that distort data to influence voters
By connecting gameplay to reality, Rig It helps players spot these tactics when they appear outside the game.
AI Transparency & Credits
Rig It was developed with the support of artificial intelligence tools:
- ChatGPT assisted with language and narrative design
- ElevenLabs supported voice creation
- AI-assisted tools were also used in visual design
All AI usage was strictly for educational purposes, with human oversight throughout development.
Content: GLOBSEC & DROG
Design & Development: Gusmanson
Why Rig It Matters
In a world shaped by algorithms, bots, and viral deception, Rig It offers something rare:
a safe space to understand manipulation by experiencing it firsthand.
You’re not just playing a political game.
You’re learning how the system plays you.