NEW DELHI, India: Online games inspired by anti-government protests are gaining popularity among young Indians, transforming political dissent into digital entertainment as demonstrations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government continue across the country.
A web-based multiplayer game called Jantar Mantar Chalo allows players to evade police checkpoints, avoid detention and reach a protest site in New Delhi.
Developed by 27-year-old IT professional Suraj Kushwah, the game satirises police barricades, road closures and transport restrictions affecting demonstrators.
Players can organise protest processions or assume police roles, using batons and tear gas to disperse crowds.
Kushwah told the media that at least 2,000 people had been playing simultaneously since the game’s October 14 release.
Political Protest Meets Digital Entertainment
Another game features left-wing activist Neha Bora as its central character, using retro arcade-style graphics.
Developers Anav Nayar and his brother Akshay said satire provides an effective way to communicate political concerns.
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The games have emerged alongside youth-led demonstrations over unemployment, examination paper leaks and controversial electoral roll revisions.
Opposition parties and activists say that voter list changes have disenfranchised millions and benefited Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Digital Challenge for Modi
The online trend reflects changing political communication among younger Indians, who increasingly use memes, games and social media to express dissent.
The demonstrations have also been associated with the youth-led Cockroach movement, which originated through online satire.
Political analyst Rasheed Kidwai said younger activists were challenging the BJP’s established influence over political narratives.
Modi has expanded his outreach to younger audiences through Instagram videos.
However, analysts say digital engagement alone may not address the economic and political grievances driving the demonstrations.
The emergence of protest-themed games illustrates how interactive entertainment is becoming another platform for political expression in India.
