The Political Game Making Waves in South Africa: Poo Weekly by Space Salad Studios

In the ever-evolving landscape of video games, a new and unique player has entered the scene—Poo Weekly. Developed by the local game studio SpaceSalad, in partnership with the renowned cartoonist and writer Zapiro, this innovative PC and mobile game is shaking up the way South Africans engage with their political history and current events. Poo weekly is creating a buzz with its innovative blend of satire and gameplay. This side-scrolling beat 'em up game, where players control South African political figures, is designed to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.

What is Poo Weekly?

Poo Weekly is a side-scrolling beat 'em up game that allows players to step into the shoes of South African political leaders. The game's premise is both humorous and engaging: players select their favorite political figure and navigate through various challenges to enforce their own policies. The game is designed to be fun and accessible, particularly targeting the youth with its comedic approach and interactive gameplay.

Space Salad Studios, the brains behind this project, partnered with South African cartoonist Zapiro to develop a visual style that complements the game's satirical tone. Poo Weekly is a testament to the studio's collaborative culture. The concept was developed through extensive brainstorming sessions involving the entire team, reflecting their commitment to creativity and innovation.

Inspiration Behind the Game

The idea for Poo Weekly emerged from the turbulent political landscape of South Africa in 2023. With issues like load shedding, potholes, and malfunctioning streetlights dominating headlines, Space Salad Studios saw an opportunity to address these topics in a unique way. With the 2024 elections, the team aimed to create a game that would not only entertain but also encourage young people to engage in the electoral process. By integrating political satire with gameplay, they hoped to spark both laughter and political interest.

Objectives of Poo Weekly

The primary goal of Poo Weekly is to offer an entertaining experience. However, the game also has a secondary objective: to stimulate political thinking among its players. By integrating elements of satire and decision-making, the game aims to make political engagement more accessible and enjoyable.

By incorporating Zapiro's renowned satirical art style, the game offers a visually rich satire of South African politics. His involvement in the project helped create a visual language that signals satire, making it clear that the game’s scenarios are meant to be humorous rather than literal. Players encounter exaggerated versions of real-world issues, such as load shedding, presented in a humorous, over-the-top manner. The game's comedic approach to well-known political figures and scenarios serves as a critique of the current political climate, while also providing entertainment.

Collaboration with Zapiro

The collaboration with Zapiro has been a cornerstone of Poo Weekly's development. The partnership began when Space Salad co-founder Thabo met Zapiro at a book signing. Impressed by Zapiro's work, Thabo and his team approached him to guide the game's visual development. Zapiro’s role in guiding the visual development of the game was crucial, and his art style helped cement the game’s satirical tone. His distinctive art style not only enriches the game’s satirical content but also connects instantly with the South African audience, making the satire more impactful and recognisable.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay of Poo Weekly is straightforward yet engaging. Players navigate classic beat 'em up controls, including light and heavy attacks and a special attack button. The game also features player-driven choice mechanics, where players get to "play as the president" and decide how to handle various crises. This interactive element adds depth to the gameplay, allowing players to experiment with different strategies.

What sets Poo Weekly apart from other political games is its blend of traditional beat 'em up mechanics with a distinctly South African flavor. The collaboration with Zapiro brings a unique visual style that immediately communicates satire, making the game visually and thematically distinct. The combination of engaging gameplay and local political commentary makes Poo Weekly a fresh entry in the political game genre, which is still relatively underdeveloped.

Reception and Future Plans

The demo version of Poo Weekly has been met with a positive response, exceeding the developers' expectations. Players have praised the game for its humor and creativity, and the feedback has been largely constructive. However, to move forward, Space Salad Studios needs a higher volume of player engagement. The current demo phase is crucial for gauging interest and gathering diverse feedback, which will guide future development.

Space Studios Joins the AEX Investment Platform

Adding to the excitement surrounding Poo Weekly, Space Salad Studios has recently joined AEX (Aions Exchange), a pioneering investment platform focused on South African startups. AEX provides investors with the chance to support innovative start ups and their projects like Poo Weekly, and Space Salad Studios' partnership with the platform is a significant step towards the game's future growth.

By investing in Space Salad through AEX, you can contribute to the company's rise in stock value and valuation. This investment is not only a potential path to future profits through an increased share price but also supports all of Space Salad’s projects, including Poo Weekly. For more details on how to get involved with this groundbreaking venture, explore AEX and Space Salad Studios.

How to Get Involved

Players interested in experiencing Poo Weekly can access the demo on the Itchio page. Feedback and support from the gaming community will be instrumental in shaping the game's future. Space Salad Studios encourages fans to engage, share their thoughts, and advocate for the game to help it reach a wider audience.

Currently, Poo Weekly is a self-funded passion project, with Space Salad Studios exploring potential fundraising opportunities through organizations and accelerator programs. Investing in Space Salad through platforms like AEX could enhance the company's stock valuation and support future projects, including Poo Weekly. Supporters can play a crucial role by spreading the word on social media and increasing the game's visibility.