NationStates

NationStates is an online political simulation game created by Australian author Max Barry. It was launched in 2002 and has since developed into a long-running browser-based community. The game centers on forming and governing a fictional nation within a simplified world political system.

In NationStates, players start by naming their nation, selecting a capital and flag, and choosing a basic constitutional framework. The core mechanic is policy selection through responding to a steady stream of issues. Each issue presents a moral or practical trade-off, typically balancing civil liberties, economic policy, social policy, and security. Choices shape the nation’s laws, governance style, and international posture, generating consequences for development, stability, and relations with other states. The game emphasizes exploration of political philosophy and governance through play rather than precise simulation.

Regions and diplomacy are important aspects. Players can join or create Regions—volunteer communities with their own leadership, forums, and regional activities. Regions coordinate diplomacy, trade, and coordination of shared policy interests. A global element exists in the World Assembly, a deliberative body where member nations can propose and vote on resolutions that affect international policy and norms.

Gameplay is open-ended and accessible, with players able to treat NationStates as a sandbox for experimentation or as a role-playing platform. The game is free to play on the web, with optional paid enhancements available to some users. NationStates remains notable for its community-driven content, flexible governance concepts, and enduring popularity among browser-game enthusiasts.