An Open Simulation-Game with a TV Studio as a Tool for Long-Term Policy Formation

Abstract

In order for people to reach a consensus concerning the future of a region, the author proposes THE MAYOR’S ELECTION, an open simulation-game with a set of facilities in a studio. A preliminary trial run was performed in February, 1991 at Kinki University, Kyushu Campus. In the scenario, a region is divided into three areas, each of which has a candidate for the mayor of the region. Each candidate persuades interest groups to get ballots. The groups include city council members, shop owners, constructors, medical doctors, women’s groups, and farmers. The players exchange their ideas, discuss the policies of the region, and communicate with each other via written messages and face-to-face discussions. A TV newscaster provides information about the messages as regular and special news programs, based on information collected by the news media group. The game can be developed as a policy exercise tool to form long-term, regional policies.