In an unexpected twist, a mobile game centring on UK politics has soared to the pinnacle of Apple’s paid games chart, outpacing global juggernaut Minecraft. Developed by Manchester-based Benjamin Brewis, No 10: Full Confidence immerses players in the trials and tribulations of a prime minister navigating the tumultuous world of Westminster. Featuring an array of fictional political scenarios, the game taps into the chaotic landscape of British politics, suggesting that recent political upheavals have inspired a burgeoning genre of satirical gaming.
A Game of Political Survival
In No 10: Full Confidence, players assume the role of a prime minister tasked with maintaining power amidst a volatile political landscape. The game challenges users to appease four critical factions: their cabinet, backbenchers, the media, and the public. With over 300 unique scenarios penned by Brewis, players are confronted with decisions that range from the trivial—such as managing waiting times for GP appointments—to the downright bizarre, like a dog unleashed in the House of Lords during a vet bill debate.
Brewis expressed that many of the game’s absurdities are rooted in real-life political anecdotes. “I remember that MP who threatened colleagues with a spider, or when Boris Johnson famously walked into a fridge,” he remarked, highlighting how these incidents serve as both inspiration and entertainment.
The Challenge of Leadership
Players quickly learn that the path to political longevity is fraught with peril. For instance, in my initial attempt as Prime Minister Verity Grimshaw, I began with an impressive handling of a major crisis involving A-level examination errors. However, my tenure was cut short—after just one year and nine months—by a scathing resignation letter from a cabinet minister, which echoed through the airwaves on BBC Radio 4. My attempts to address the criticisms were met with disapproval, leading to an ignominious exit.
Brewis noted that while I struggled, others have found success beyond imagination. “One player managed to stay in power for 1,885 months, which is equivalent to 157 years,” he quipped. “I’m not sure if that constitutes a democracy anymore.”
The Rise of Political Gaming
Brewis conceived the idea for No 10: Full Confidence during a period of intense political change in December 2025, when speculation regarding leadership challenges was rampant. “I thought, someone should really start poking fun at this situation,” he recalled, pointing to the rapid turnover of prime ministers—five individuals have held the office since 2016, three in just over three years, and one for a mere 49 days.
The game’s success is indicative of a wider trend. Dr Russell Foster, a lecturer in British and International Politics at King’s College London, noted that the rapid succession of prime ministers and the increasing presence of politics on social media have made political narratives more accessible and relatable to the public. This shift has created fertile ground for games like No 10: Full Confidence to thrive.
Moreover, Brewis’s offering is part of a growing collection of politically themed games, including Fantasy Parliament, a browser-based platform that allows players to draft their own fantasy leagues of real MPs, and the upcoming UK Politics Simulator, which promises to utilise real UK data to enhance gameplay.
Feedback from the Frontlines
Despite No 10: Full Confidence’s ranking—currently fifth in the UK paid games chart, even surpassing Monopoly Go—Brewis remains unsure if any politicians have engaged with his creation. However, he has received feedback from friends within the civil service, who confirmed the game’s accuracy, albeit with a caveat: “It’s just like this, but worse.”
Why it Matters
The rise of politically themed games like No 10: Full Confidence signals a significant shift in how the public engages with politics. By blending entertainment with satire, these games not only provide a humorous lens through which to view the often chaotic nature of governance but also encourage players to consider the complexities and nuances of leadership. As the political landscape continues to evolve, so too does our method of understanding it—through the engaging and accessible medium of gaming.