In a surprising twist within the gaming world, a mobile game set in the chaotic realm of UK politics has taken the top spot on Apple’s paid games chart, surpassing even the cultural juggernaut Minecraft. Developed by Manchester-based Benjamin Brewis, *No 10: Full Confidence* invites players to step into the shoes of a prime minister, navigating through over 300 fictional political scenarios. The game’s blend of strategic decision-making and comedic absurdity is resonating with players, making it a must-try for both gaming enthusiasts and political aficionados alike.
A New Era of Political Gaming
In *No 10: Full Confidence*, players are thrust into the high-stakes role of prime minister, where they must juggle the sentiments of various factions, including their cabinet, backbenchers, the media, and the public. It’s a delicate balancing act, as each decision can either bolster or erode your support among these groups. Brewis, who meticulously crafted the game’s scenarios by hand, has imbued the experience with a mix of realistic political dilemmas and whimsical situations that reflect the often bizarre nature of politics.
One standout scenario features a lobbyist unleashing a dog into the House of Lords, which spirals into a farcical crisis. Brewis quips, “I’ve drawn inspiration from real-life events, like the MP who used a spider to threaten colleagues or Boris Johnson walking into a fridge. I’m constantly jotting these down!”
Surviving the Political Minefield
My initial foray into the role of prime minister, playing as the fictional Verity Grimshaw, was a rollercoaster. I started strong by tackling a crisis involving erroneous A-level grades, but my tenure was cut short by a scandalous resignation from a cabinet member. The resignation letter, read on BBC Radio 4, included the ominous phrase “the PM was warned” no less than four times—an echo of real political life that ultimately led to my downfall.
Brewis shares that while many players have faced similar fates, some have managed to stay in power for astonishingly long periods. “One player lasted 1,885 months, which translates to 157 years! I’m not sure if that qualifies as a democracy anymore,” he chuckles.
The Inspiration Behind the Game
The spark for Brewis’s creation ignited in December 2025 amid the backdrop of political turmoil surrounding former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. “I thought someone should start poking fun at this absurdity,” he explains. The rapid turnover of prime ministers in recent years has made the political landscape ripe for satire. With five individuals occupying Number 10 since 2016, the constant drama has provided an endless well of inspiration.
Dr Russell Foster, a lecturer at King’s College London, points out that the surge in political-themed games could be attributed to the churn of leadership and the increasing presence of politics on social media. This phenomenon has made politics not only more accessible but also a source of entertainment.
A Growing Genre of Political Simulators
*No 10: Full Confidence* is entering a burgeoning genre of political simulation games. Another UK-based title, *Fantasy Parliament*, allows players to assemble their own league of real-life MPs, scoring points based on media coverage. Meanwhile, the upcoming *UK Politics Simulator*, crafted by Black Cannon Games, promises to deliver a data-driven experience down to ward level.
Despite his game’s current success—ranking fifth in Apple’s UK paid games chart, even outpacing classics like Monopoly Go—Brewis admits he’s unsure if any actual politicians have taken the plunge into his world. However, he has received positive feedback from friends in the civil service, who affirmed that the game’s portrayal of political life is “exactly like this, but worse.”
Why it Matters
The rise of *No 10: Full Confidence* represents more than just a gaming success; it signifies a cultural moment where politics and entertainment intersect, allowing players to engage with serious topics in a light-hearted way. As political satire finds new life in the digital realm, it encourages a broader audience to understand and reflect on the complexities of governance. In a world where political discourse can often feel overwhelming, a game that allows for both laughter and critical thinking may just be what we need to navigate these turbulent times.