Games Like Orwell: Ignorance is Strength

Big Brother has arrived - and it’s you. Investigate the lives of citizens to find those responsible for a series of terror attacks. Information from the internet, personal communications and private files are all accessible to you. But, be warned, the information you supply will have consequences.

Why similar: Choices Matter 46.1%, Political Sim 26.4% ★, Dystopian 7%, Political 5.1% ★, Hacking 3.5% ★

Why You'll Like It: As the direct predecessor, it offers the same core surveillance gameplay and deep narrative focus on state control.

A new political Party has won a landslide in the General Election, and for some reason the editor at the news station you work at has done a runner. Now it’s up to you, the Janitor, to take over the editing booth in this tumultuous time - will you help the government, or stand in their way?

Why similar: Political Sim 29.2% ★, Political 21.3% ★, Dystopian 15.9%, Choices Matter 9.6%, Interactive Fiction 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: You control the flow of information by editing live news broadcasts, directly reflecting the theme of media manipulation found in the seed game.

Four private lives. One big lie. Search through secretly recorded video conversations to discover the truth. The successor to the acclaimed Her Story.

Why similar: Detective 24.7%, Interactive Fiction 13.6%, Simulation 11.9%, Story Rich 11.6%, Mystery 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game shares the investigative, database-searching mechanic where you must piece together a narrative from fragmented video clips.

Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.

Why similar: Political 47.9% ★, Dystopian 22.3%, Simulation 9.2%, Indie 4.9%, Story Rich 4%

Why You'll Like It: It is the definitive bureaucratic dystopia simulator, forcing players to make life-altering decisions based on strict, often oppressive, government rules.

A digital voyeur simulator where you watch strangers through surveillance cameras. Invade their privacy and witness their most intimate moments, but don’t interact with the subjects – anything could happen if you dare feed the monkeys!

Why similar: Political Sim 46.4% ★, Dystopian 18.2%, Choices Matter 12.7%, Simulation 6.5%, Story Rich 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the voyeuristic nature of surveillance while forcing players to balance their own survival with the ethics of intervention.

Hack into crime scenes, look for evidence, analyze data, interrogate criminals, track suspects and deal with the consequences of your decisions. This is a dark and brutal detective story with a Black Mirror-esque atmosphere of digital dominance and the narrative structure of a US crime procedural.

Why similar: Dystopian 23.8%, Choices Matter 15.3%, Hacking 14.5% ★, Detective 14.4%, Simulation 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: This detective thriller combines hacking and surveillance mechanics within a cyberpunk setting that mirrors the investigative feel of Orwell.

A woman is interviewed seven times by the police. Search the video database and explore hundreds of authentic clips to discover her story in this groundbreaking and award winning narrative game.

Why similar: Detective 28.3%, Interactive Fiction 17.8%, Simulation 12%, Story Rich 11.4%, Investigation 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: It pioneered the non-linear, database-driven investigation style that is central to the Orwell experience.

Replica is an interactive novel game played through a cellphone and social media. The insane experience of peeping into someone's private life through a cellphone will transform you into the state's greatest patriot.

Why similar: Dystopian 24.5%, Hacking 24% ★, Political 23.6% ★, Story Rich 6.1%, Choices Matter 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title focuses on the invasive nature of digital surveillance by having you hack into a suspect's phone to uncover their secrets.

You’re a state-installed landlord in a totalitarian country. Place listening devices, steal and sneak into your tenants’ apartments. Use what you uncovered to report anyone capable of plotting against the state. You MUST! But WILL you?

Why similar: Political Sim 32% ★, Political 21% ★, Dystopian 16.9%, Choices Matter 9.9%, Simulation 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game places you in the role of a state-installed landlord tasked with spying on tenants, perfectly capturing the theme of domestic surveillance.

You are an intern at the central ministry of a totalitarian state with your whole career ahead of you. Work your way up the ladder by scheming against employees, spying on your boss, and completing paperwork. Or do you turn against the state and expose corruption. The choice is still yours to make!

Why similar: Political Sim 32.1% ★, Political 22.3% ★, Dystopian 17.6%, Choices Matter 10.2%, Simulation 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: It expands the scope to a government office setting, emphasizing the soul-crushing nature of working within a corrupt political machine.

Assume the role of President Anton Rayne and guide the nation of Sordland. Amidst brewing international conflicts, need for reform, deep-seated corruption, and economic recession, you must make the decisions in this political drama. How will you lead?

Why similar: Political Sim 38.4% ★, Political 27.2% ★, Choices Matter 10.6%, Interactive Fiction 6.8%, Story Rich 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: This political simulator forces you to navigate complex diplomatic and domestic crises where every choice has far-reaching consequences for your nation.

The Westport Independent is a censorship simulator taking place in a post-war country, governed by the recently elected Loyalist Party. As the editor of one of the last independent newspapers in the country, your job is to remove and edit the content of your paper, affecting the people’s opinion of both the rebels and the Loyalist...

Why similar: Political 32.9% ★, Dystopian 30.6%, Simulation 18.5%, Choices Matter 11%, Indie 7%

Why You'll Like It: You act as an editor-in-chief tasked with censoring news to influence public opinion in a dystopian regime.

It’s 2065, and you are an interrogator-model android tasked with rooting out deviants among your own kind. You must probe for lies, monitor and exploit emotional spikes, earn the trust of your subjects, and make the final call: release, or destroy?

Why similar: Political 26.5% ★, Dystopian 18.2%, Choices Matter 16.8%, Detective 11.4%, Story Rich 8%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the psychological tension of interrogation and the moral ambiguity of extracting information from others.

Award-winning adventure where you control the news and its impact on society, your friends and career. Different choices lead to unique combinations of endings. Share your story with the community, and see what the players before you did.

Why similar: Political Sim 34.6% ★, Political 23.1% ★, Dystopian 10.8%, Choices Matter 8.2%, Interactive Fiction 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: You control a news outlet and must decide how to spin the truth, directly impacting the social stability of your country.

As a detective tasked with bringing down a dangerous terrorist group, you fight on two fronts: interrogating suspects & managing your team and its reputation. With time running out, how far will you go to stop these criminals? Manipulation, threats or even torture? Does the end justify the means?

Why similar: Political Sim 33.4% ★, Political 27% ★, Detective 11.9%, Choices Matter 11.1%, Interactive Fiction 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game blends political themes with intense interrogation mechanics, requiring you to manipulate suspects to uncover the truth.

Greetings. Your Mind Scanner request has been approved. Your duty is to diagnose and treat the citizens of The Structure. The patient list is long so don't waste your time. We’ll let you see your daughter soon...

Why similar: Political Sim 31.7% ★, Political 25.9% ★, Dystopian 17.6%, Choices Matter 9.6%, Simulation 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: A dystopian management game where you must diagnose and treat citizens, forcing you to participate in an oppressive system.

Welcome to the Department of Liberty. Ascend the ranks of the NSA-like surveillance agency and decide: will you stand up for privacy, or help create an unstoppable police state? Spy on people’s deepest secrets, pick apart their private lives and decide their fate in this modern surveillance thriller.

Why similar: Political Sim 51.3% ★, Political 24% ★, Simulation 11.6%, Indie 3.6%, Adventure 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: This surveillance-focused game tasks you with monitoring citizens and deciding which information to report to the authorities.

A murder. A hack. A bombing. All it takes to plunge the solar system into war – unless you do something about it. Help CDI agent Neil Conrad make a string of increasingly difficult decisions in this modern dialog-driven adventure set in a gorgeous 2D sci-fi noir universe.

Why similar: Detective 28.8%, Choices Matter 26.2%, Interactive Fiction 17.5%, Story Rich 11.1%, Investigation 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A noir-inspired detective game set in a dystopian future that requires careful observation and difficult moral choices.

As a judge of the Revolutionary Tribunal, preside over complicated cases of ordinary citizens, dangerous criminals, and enemies of the revolution in revolutionary Paris. Make judgments, plot political intrigue, and try to not lose your own head!

Why similar: Political Sim 52% ★, Choices Matter 15.1%, Simulation 8.4%, Story Rich 6.9%, Investigation 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: You serve as a judge during the French Revolution, balancing political survival with the need to deliver justice in a chaotic era.

The Occupation is a fixed-time, investigative thriller set in North West England on Saturday 24th October, 1987.

Why similar: Political 31.4% ★, Detective 20.8%, Choices Matter 17.5%, Story Rich 8.4%, Mystery 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: This investigative thriller requires you to gather evidence and navigate a political conspiracy within a strict time limit.

Cyber Manhunt is a story-oriented puzzle game focusing on big data, hacking, citizen privacy, and social workers. It focuses on social issues such as cyber violence and privacy breaches.

Why similar: Hacking 38.2% ★, Simulation 20.7%, Detective 13.7%, Mystery 8.2%, Puzzle 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: This simulator focuses on social engineering and hacking to uncover the secrets of various targets, mirroring the investigative work in Orwell.

For the People is a mix of a political management sim and a visual novel, putting players in the shoes of an idealistic young state official tasked with shaping the future of a communist factory town. Will the party provide for the people, or are the people just cogs in its machine?..

Why similar: Political Sim 36% ★, Political 23.7% ★, Dystopian 13.2%, Choices Matter 9.1%, Simulation 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: As a new mayor, you must manage a city's resources and political factions, often resorting to corrupt methods to maintain control.

Person of European Heritage #112: Welcome to Relocation Block B, your new home. Your designated role is 'Bouncer'. Work hard, stay out of trouble, and we might let you stay in the UK.

Why similar: Political 48.9% ★, Dystopian 25.9%, Simulation 14.2%, Story Rich 3.1%, Great Soundtrack 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: Set in a post-Brexit dystopian Britain, you work as a bouncer checking IDs and enforcing strict government policies.

Justice.exe is a dialogue-heavy dystopian legal drama in which you defend sentient AI in court. Discover key story elements in dialogue, build your case by studying arguments, and engage the opposing counsel in wits, charisma and skullduggery. Small choices might alter the fate of your clients.

Why similar: Political 26.6% ★, Dystopian 18.5%, Detective 10.4%, Choices Matter 10.3%, Interactive Fiction 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: You act as an AI judge in a dystopian society, determining the fate of citizens based on limited data and government mandates.

In this 2D, short narrative-based game, you assume the role of the Grim Reaper... on an office job. Your job is to decide which people are going to live or die. The consequences of your choices are yours to bear, while the mystery of your incarnation awaits revelation!

Why similar: Choices Matter 29.1%, Simulation 15.5%, Story Rich 14%, Interactive Fiction 13.8%, Point & Click 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: You play as a bureaucrat deciding who lives and dies, exploring the moral weight of administrative power.

A Beholder series spin-off. Become a conductor of the Determination Bringer train: monitor passengers, report incidents, and carry out important Ministry assignments — whose level of secrecy depends only on your loyalty. And remember: mission success is very important to you!

Why similar: Political Sim 44.2% ★, Political 17.8% ★, Dystopian 13.3%, Choices Matter 7.7%, Simulation 4%

Roleplaying in the ruins of interplanetary capitalism. Live the life of an escaped worker, washed-up on a lawless station at the edge of an interstellar society. Inspired by the flexibility and freedom of TTRPGs, explore the station, choose your friends, escape your past and change your future.

Why similar: Dystopian 48.1%, Interactive Fiction 18%, Story Rich 15.3%, Indie 5.6%, Multiple Endings 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: While more RPG-focused, it captures the feeling of living under the thumb of a massive, uncaring corporate-political entity.

Discover a digital realm shrouded in mystery. Sequel to an award-winning narrative driven hacking simulator puzzle game. Play as an AI assistant in a major corporation. Deploy intricate social engineering tactics and expose hidden truths in a world of ambition and high-tech deception.

Why similar: Dystopian 26.3%, Hacking 24.9% ★, Choices Matter 14.7%, Detective 8.5%, Story Rich 8.1%

Want to get rich, quick? Welcome to FERIOS, where you’ll be empowered to pursue wealth and success as a mid-level stockbroker! Your wildest dreams of wealth can come true… at the cost of everything else.

Why similar: Political 51.8% ★, Simulation 24.6%, Adventure 8.9%, Indie 6.8%, Singleplayer 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: You work as a stockbroker where you must manipulate markets and public perception to succeed, echoing the theme of truth manipulation.

In the world of City Eye, you’ll become an operator of the Central Monitoring System, who will try to prevent the effects of every single transgression in the game. Use city maps to track dangerous areas and don’t let the suspects run away from the Police.

Why similar: Political Sim 39.4% ★, Dystopian 20.3%, Hacking 11.3% ★, Choices Matter 9.4%, Detective 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: This management simulator focuses on maintaining order through a city-wide surveillance network.

After MI7 has been hacked, your primary goal is to bring a cyber-criminal network to justice. Played entirely from your computer's desktop, Mainlining is a thrilling point and click hacking adventure that features a gripping narrative which will have you hooked from the very first case.

Why similar: Hacking 50.2% ★, Simulation 17.7%, Indie 6.7%, Story Rich 6.3%, Adventure 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A hacking-themed detective game that requires you to use a simulated operating system to gather evidence against criminals.

When a high-ranking security officer saves you from prison, you end up a pawn in her schemes. Now you must eliminate anyone standing in the way of her secret plans and try to get your life back while working two jobs. No tenant, employee or superior is safe from your spying.

Why similar: Political Sim 38.6% ★, Political 20.7% ★, Dystopian 18.9%, Simulation 6.3%, Choices Matter 5.6%

A psychological surveillance adventure. Observe 16 real-time CCTV feeds as TOBOR, a spy unit uncovering secrets in a dystopian bunker. Monitor suspects, collect evidence, and choose who survives. Multiple endings.

Why similar: Political 25.5% ★, Dystopian 18.4%, Choices Matter 11.2%, Detective 10.9%, Interactive Fiction 7.3%

Short, thought-provoking adventure where you are a News Editor and decide what stories get published, set in a fictional city where most people are genetically modified. Multiple unique endings let you share your story and see what the Headliner before you did.

Why similar: Political Sim 32.3% ★, Political 24% ★, Dystopian 14.4%, Choices Matter 12.4%, Indie 3.7%

Immigration Enforcement Case #112: You are under arrest. Unless your friends can cross a broken America, retrieve your identifying documents and stay out of trouble... this is the end of the American dream for you.

Why similar: Political Sim 31.7% ★, Political 27.6% ★, Dystopian 17.5%, Simulation 6.7%, Choices Matter 5.9%

A dark and satirical management sim, where you take control of a recycling factory with a twist: it recycles humans. Your job is to decide who gets to escape our dying planet in a cozy spaceship and who sacrifices their blood, sweat and tears for humanity. Literally.

Why similar: Political Sim 34.3% ★, Political 21.8% ★, Dystopian 16.9%, Choices Matter 9.8%, Story Rich 4.6%

Get closer to the truth than ever in the VR edition of Not For Broadcast. Keep the cameras rolling, censor the swears and immerse yourself in the powerful, alluring and occasionally deadly world of broadcast television news.

Why similar: Political 28.6% ★, Dystopian 23%, Political Sim 12% ★, Choices Matter 11.7%, Simulation 9.1%

In Social Credit Simulator, you make life-altering decisions by assigning social credit scores based on people’s actions and status. Satirizing real-world social rating systems, your choices determine your survival in a dystopian regime.

Why similar: Political Sim 43% ★, Political 31.6% ★, Choices Matter 12.2%, Simulation 6.8%, Indie 2.4%

Welcome to the FDI. As our newest Operator, your role is to use your detective skills to assist our field agents and investigate mysterious crimes. Use cutting-edge FDI software to dig for clues, solve puzzles, and uncover the truth.

Why similar: Detective 31.8%, Simulation 13.9%, Mystery 10.5%, Investigation 8.9%, Interactive Fiction 8.2%

The year is 2036. In this famine-riddled world, food-centric sovereignty has been established. Living alone inside a food-inspection booth, you are striving to find truth and peace beyond the borderline.

Why similar: Political Sim 33.7% ★, Dystopian 22.5%, Choices Matter 12.2%, Story Rich 6.3%, Interactive Fiction 5.7%

A dead influencer. An obsessed detective. Three suspects. Piece the truth together by going through the victim’s phone messages, videos, and social media in the follow up to the critically acclaimed SIMULACRA.

Why similar: Hacking 29.3% ★, Detective 21.1%, Choices Matter 16.5%, Story Rich 8.6%, Simulation 8%

Greetings, valued employee. You have been tasked with sorting the Ringo CorpoNation's genetic samples. With the credits that you earn, you can shop, game and pay your bills on time. Rogue workers may try to entice you into betraying your beloved employer, but we know you'll give 110%.

Why similar: Political Sim 31.8% ★, Political 24.8% ★, Dystopian 16.5%, Simulation 5.4%, Interactive Fiction 5.1%

Become a parliamentarian, create a powerful party, and lead it to victory in this humorous adventure game. Manage your popularity and dignity, use unique powers, and navigate a storyline inspired by current events.

Why similar: Political Sim 38.5% ★, Political 32.3% ★, Simulation 10.4%, Interactive Fiction 10.2%, Visual Novel 5%

Ministry of Broadcast is a narrative-driven single player cinematic platformer mixing Orwell’s 1984 with modern reality TV. A country divided by The Wall; to cross it and reach your family, you must compete on - and win - a reality TV show broadcast by the Regime.

Why similar: Political 31.7% ★, Dystopian 29.2%, Indie 13.3%, Adventure 13%, Story Rich 4.6%

In a dystopian future, as The Judge with immense power, you journey through space to find hope in a divided society. This sci-fi adventure explores hope amidst adversity.

Why similar: Political Sim 41.2% ★, Dystopian 17.7%, Choices Matter 11%, Detective 9.3%, Simulation 7.7%

Hacknet is an immersive, terminal-based hacking simulator for PC. Dive down a rabbit hoIe as you follow the instructions of a recently deceased hacker, whose death may not have been the accident the media reports.

Why similar: Hacking 68.4% ★, Dystopian 8.3%, Choices Matter 5.4%, Detective 5.4%, Simulation 4.2%

Germany, 1956. The war is over, but justice is not served. Former Nazis walk free, while their victims lie in unmarked graves. As a prosecutor, you'll unearth long-buried evidence, confront witnesses and hunt down perpetrators. Will you have the courage to bring these "ordinary men" to court?

Why similar: Political Sim 47.7% ★, Detective 18.7%, Simulation 9.3%, Choices Matter 5.8%, Adventure 3.9%

This Is the Police is a strategy/adventure game set in a city spiraling the drain. Taking the role of gritty Police Chief Jack Boyd, you'll dive into a deep story of crime and intrigue. Will Jack reach his retirement with a nice stack of bills, or will he end up broken ... or worse?

Why similar: Choices Matter 24.3%, Political 21.1% ★, Detective 16.6%, Story Rich 13.2%, Simulation 9.2%

Things are not what they seem at your new tech support specialist job. While resolving customer issues, you soon find yourself in the middle of a conspiracy. Will you side with your employer, join a rogue hacktivist group bent on destroying them, assist the police or stand alone?

Why similar: Hacking 50.4% ★, Simulation 24.2%, Story Rich 12.1%, Adventure 7.7%, Indie 5.6%

Democracy 4 lets you take the role of President / Prime minister, govern the country (choosing its policies, laws and other actions), and both transform the country as you see fit, while trying to retain enough popularity to get re-elected...

Why similar: Political Sim 49.8% ★, Political 30.9% ★, Choices Matter 9.9%, Simulation 7.5%, Indie 1.9%

From multi-award winning Revolution comes ‘Beyond a Steel Sky’, a groundbreaking 3D adventure thriller, set in an AI-driven future. Subvert the world, hack the systems and solve dark conspiracies to uncover the devastating truth.

Why similar: Dystopian 28.6%, Hacking 21.6% ★, Choices Matter 16.9%, Story Rich 8.7%, Mystery 5.7%

Interpret the law as you see fit! Run the sheriff’s department, manage your cops, make tough decisions – and try to keep out of prison yourself – in this story-driven mixture of adventure, strategy, and turn-based tactical combat.

Why similar: Choices Matter 28.4%, Story Rich 25.3%, Detective 10.8%, Simulation 9.3%, Indie 6.9%

As a judge of the Kobardde court, solve complex cases inspired by actual events. Your decisions will directly affect people's (and perhaps yours) lives. You may have to make difficult decisions for your family, country, and life. What kind of judge will you be?

Why similar: Political Sim 47.8% ★, Political 28.9% ★, Choices Matter 7.5%, Simulation 5%, Investigation 3.2%

Sim Junta – A game of dirty politics! You are the new dictator of Risuena, a small and poor country of the third world. You have just seized power after a bloody coup and your intentions are to stay in power as long as you can, to rip this country off, transfer the money to your secret Swiss bank account and of course, stay alive and...

Why similar: Political Sim 56.8% ★, Political 21.1% ★, Dystopian 14.2%, Simulation 4.3%, Indie 2.8%

The Red Strings Club is a cyberpunk narrative experience about fate and happiness featuring the extensive use of pottery, bartending and impersonating people on the phone to take down a corporate conspiracy.

Why similar: Choices Matter 31%, Story Rich 18.3%, Dystopian 17.4%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%, Visual Novel 4.6%

Berlin 1933. “Adolf Hitler is chancellor!” We all know the consequences this message bore. Unspeakable horrors and suffering would sweep across the world. Few would stand and fight the monstrosity that was the German Reich. Will you? Lead an underground resistance group Through the Darkest of Times.

Why similar: Political 39% ★, Simulation 17.7%, Choices Matter 15.3%, Story Rich 7%, Indie 6.1%

You are local mafia kingpin, Jeffrey Koch. Your empire in New Kandinski is in total chaos because an unknown Mastermind has decided to take your place. And they’ve planted a sleeper Mole inside your operation. It’s time to act, but you need to act smart.

Why similar: Political 28.2% ★, Detective 16%, Choices Matter 15.6%, Simulation 13.5%, Story Rich 8.2%

The Award-winning detective saga returns in this standalone sequel to The Case of the Golden Idol. Uncover the truth behind 20 strange cases of crime, death and depravity in the 1970s. The world has changed dramatically - the sins of humanity have not.

Why similar: Detective 29.8%, Choices Matter 20.2%, Mystery 12.2%, Interactive Fiction 9.3%, Investigation 8.8%

A new kind of detective game that allows you to think and investigate freely. Discover clues surrounding 12 strange and gruesome deaths and build your own theory. Pick your suspect, deduce the motive, unmask the awful truth.

Why similar: Detective 26.4%, Choices Matter 16.4%, Interactive Fiction 12.2%, Mystery 10.6%, Story Rich 10.4%