Electoral College education: TwoSeventy political strategy game engages Americans

The 2024 presidential election season is heating up, and players and users from all over the world are engaging in a unique online game of political skill that teaches them about the American political system, including the Electoral College.

Stagwell Inc.'s chair and CEO, Mark J. Penn, is the inventor of a political strategy game called TwoSeventy.

Penn stated in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital that this is currently the only significant political online game.

It's uncommon to find online games that allow you to play political campaigns and aim to become president, but there are some that let you catch sharks, kill Mafiosi, and shoot people.

Penn, a former Clinton pollster and a Planet Chronicle contributor, explained how the game operates.

"You distribute your $250,000 daily campaign funds among the states."

In presidential elections, as well as in debates, you must respond to challenging inquiries.

According to Penn, learning about the Electoral College and its functioning is possible through playing against the computer or real people. The strategy adopted during the game is influenced by the chosen candidate, which could be Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., or any other individual.

"Each candidate has a personality that makes for the strategy."

Penn stated that each candidate possesses a unique personality that contributes to their strategy.

The team at TwoSeventy explained to players that they are learning about the difference between the Electoral College and the popular vote while playing. According to Penn, who is based in Washington, D.C., players are learning "how you allocate across the states. Then, if you get national or state groups behind you, you earn extra money."

TwoSeventy is a rare gem in the gaming world, with over 60,000 players and growing organically as we approach election season 2024.

The game, which is gaining approximately 1,000 new players daily, can be accessed through various platforms including iOS stores, Android, Steam, and computers. Players have the option to select from over 100 candidates or all 45 past U.S. presidents.

"The game is the only one that allows players to control all 45 presidents," stated Penn and his team.

The game was launched around the time of the last presidential election, and according to Penn, it has been refined over time.

"Everything you do changes your ability to win certain groups — which then changes the right strategy."

Those players whose parents are involved in politics are playing the game with a specific objective in mind - to align their actions with their parents' political endeavors.

Game names are typically used to identify individuals.

"Advancing in the game involves moving from a press aide to a campaign manager and beyond, with leaderboards and tournaments available. Additionally, the game has a thriving Facebook community with thousands of members discussing it."

Penn's motivation for creating the game was to utilize his political expertise in designing the game and the mathematical principles behind it. However, there could be numerous strategies based on the candidates being compared, and the choice of VP could also impact the outcome.

The candidate's decision can alter the outcome of the game, he stated.

"Your actions affect your ability to succeed in specific groups, which subsequently alters the optimal approach."

A young dad from Sedalia, Missouri who teaches 7th grade social studies, including early American history, has played over 20,000 hours of the game, according to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"Community-run tournaments have greatly supplemented the in-app tournaments and keep bringing me back to the game to this day."

Brendan Borman, 32, stated, "I enjoy the intellectual challenge of the game, which allows players to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and political views. The ability to recreate historical or fantasy scenarios and experience the thrill of game-changing steals and exhilarating ballot rounds keeps me coming back for more."

He said he first downloaded the game back in 2016.

"The community-run tournaments have greatly supplemented the in-app tournaments and keep bringing me back to the game to this day, said Borman."

Can anyone — not just political geeks — learn how to play TwoSeventy?

Yes, Borman said that the game requires skill and sometimes luck, but mastering the game mechanics and playing against the AI are effective ways to improve.

Through playing TwoSeventy, he has gained a platform to connect with people all over the world, including friends in the United States, England, China, India, Australia, and many other places.

"I would gladly throw my hat in the ring against anyone!"

Borman stated that his "favorite candidate" is George Washington, whom he designed to be unique among other candidates. He also mentioned Ronald Reagan 84 and Teddy BullMoose Roosevelt as strong candidates he likes.

It is enjoyable to engage with local Missouri candidates such as Harry S. Truman or unique candidates like Santa Claus.

He said the game is fun outside the presidential election cycles as well.

So who is the G.O.A.T. of TwoSeventy, in his view?

Borman responded, "The answer may vary among players and differ depending on whom you consult."

"While many players have actively promoted community, others simply play the game. Some consistently achieve a win rate of over 99%. I am ready to compete against anyone!" he declared.

Anyone can learn more about it here.

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