MTV is planning to launch an ambitious election game that incorporates real-life actions by candidates and players alike, merging journalism fact-checking with social media. “Fantasy Election 12” — which has yet to launch — features an incredible list of partners, ranging from Politifact and RealClearPolitics to GetGlue and Foursquare. And the Knight Foundation is funding a chunk of the project.
Here’s how it will work: users begin by drafting a team of Presidential and Congressional candidates. During the campaign, points are awarded and deducted for 1) how those candidate behave and 2) what users do. So how will the game score the candidates? MTV will compile data from Politifact (“Truth-O-Meter” scores), RealClearPolitics (polling numbers), Project Vote Smart (courage on issues), Center for Responsive Politics (financial transparency) and the Wesleyan Media Project (content of TV advertising) to “reward candidates for exhibiting behaviors voters deserve, and penalize politicians for behaviors that hurt our democracy.”
Meanwhile, users will be rewarding for registering to vote via “Rock the Vote,” checking into political debates via GetGlue, checking into town hall events with Foursquare, encouraging friends to participate and sharing the game on social media. Users will be eligible to win prizes like VMA tickets, free downloads and shwag.
“Our audience grew up gaming, and ‘Fantasy Election ’12’ will give them a fun new way to participate in the electoral process, while also holding candidates accountable,” said Jason Rzepka, VP of MTV Public Affairs. “The game wouldn’t be possible without the backing of our best-in-class partner set, and we’re looking forward to joining with them and young people nationwide to have a ‘Fantasy Election.'”
Sounds like a terrific, smart idea — a next-generation version of the award-winning “Choose or Lose” — and we’ll be looking forward to seeing it in action. You can register for early access to the game by submitting an email address right here.