The Onion’s First Video Game, Voting Simulator 3D, Satirizes 2026 Midterms

Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, satirical news giant The Onion has launched its first-ever video game, The Onion Voting Simulator 3D, as revealed in a new interview with Polygon. The game marks a significant expansion for the publication into interactive media, using humor to skewer the American political system at a pivotal moment. The Onion’s editorial team explains how the game’s absurdist mechanics—such as navigating bureaucratic obstacles and nonsensical campaign promises—mirror real-world voter frustrations. By entering the gaming space, The Onion aims to reach younger, digitally native audiences who consume news and satire through interactive platforms. The timing is deliberate: with midterm elections looming, the game provides a comedic outlet for political fatigue while underscoring the often-ridiculous nature of electoral processes. The project reflects a broader trend of media companies experimenting with games to engage readers beyond traditional articles. Polygon’s interview details the creative and technical challenges of translating The Onion’s voice into a playable format, from writing branching dialogue to designing intentionally clunky interfaces. As the nation braces for another contentious election cycle, The Onion’s foray into gaming suggests satire is evolving to meet audiences where they are—and that laughter may be the best coping mechanism for democracy’s absurdities.