Chevron Releases Video Game

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Energyville is like Sim City where the laws are written by Chevron. You must power your city with a mix of energy sources, and, of course, you can’t win without oil. The game is part of Chevron’s “Will you join us?” campaign, a dubious effort to spark dialogue about energy and the environment. I can’t imagine who Chevron sees as its target audience—kids will find the game all too 1997; any adult who buys the pitch might also be interested in a REQUEST FOR URGENT BUSINESS ASSISTANCE from Nigeria. Still, the game is getting lots of press.

Driven by novelty and interactivity–never underestimate the interest of bored office workers–advergames are becoming hot marketing tools in the political realm. The outfit Persuasive Games will whip one up for $40,000, complete with Sim City street grids or flash-animated conveyor belts. My favorite is Airport Security, a game in which you’re a TSA baggage screener. (Courtesy announcement: “Please be advised: Security personnel are authorized to use groping.”) For other examples, see page 86 of the Sept/Oct issue of Mother Jones.

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BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

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