Fuelling the City: On the Politics of Energy Resource Extraction in City-Building Simulators

In this chapter, I explore the ideological underpinnings and infrastructural representations of city-building games (CBGs) such as SimCity (2013) and SimCity Societies (2007). Focusing on the perpetuation of neoliberal petrocapitalism, this chapter delves into how these games mirror and reinforce societal norms and attitudes towards fossil fuel consumption. The examination begins by dissecting iterations of SimCity, including the 2013 reboot and the educational version SimCityEDU: Pollution Challenge!. The analysis reveals how these games, despite their potential to simulate environmental issues, often reduce sustainability efforts to mere aesthetic choices, devoid of real impact on gameplay mechanics. The discussion extends to SimCity Societies (2007), which, while incorporating eco-friendly elements, fails to address the underlying ideological biases by allowing fossil fuel usage without consequences. The chapter further critiques the limited scope of CBGs in depicting alternative transportation modes and addressing social challenges. The analyses highlight the flawed representation of natural resources in these games, perpetuating the myth of limitless fossil fuel reserves and disregarding their environmental impact. The chapter ends by contrasting these shortcomings with Frostpunk, a game that, despite its reliance on coal, introduces ethical dilemmas and consequences, challenging players to grapple with the moral implications of their choices. Ultimately, the chapter argues that CBGs serve as potent tools in perpetuating petrocultural ideologies, urging a critical re-examination of their narratives, mechanics, and underlying assumptions to foster a more nuanced understanding of their societal implications and potential for change.