scotty goes to centrelink – A Satirical Dive Into Welfare and Politics
scotty goes to centrelink is a free indie simulation game that throws you into an absurd, politically-charged journey starring none other than Scott Morrison, Australia’s 30th Prime Minister. Developed as a darkly humorous protest piece, this surreal mini-adventure challenges the former PM to face the bureaucratic machine he once oversaw—by navigating the infamous Centrelink welfare system.
Political Parody with a Horror Twist
In a strange blend of political satire and horror parody, players take control of an unemployed Scott Morrison as he attempts to claim government assistance. His journey quickly spirals into chaos as he's forced to complete menial tasks—such as handing out résumés—while being stalked by a terrifying, oversized floating head of himself. The game’s disturbing map design and ragdoll physics inject a layer of unsettling comedy to this already bizarre setting.
No Game Overs, Just Absurdity
scotty goes to centrelink is a short, single-sitting experience that embraces its one-joke premise and runs with it. There’s no real penalty for failure; if you die, simply press R to respawn instantly. The controls are simple and accessible, ensuring anyone can dive right in. That said, the gameplay is intentionally light and repetitive—more about making a statement than offering deep mechanics.
A Critique of Centrelink’s Legacy
The game is inspired by real-world frustrations surrounding Centrelink—particularly its automated debt collection system, which once mistakenly sent repayment notices to citizens who owed nothing. Through this surreal, exaggerated setting, the developer uses satire to highlight public outrage and systemic flaws, positioning the former PM as both protagonist and punching bag in this digital protest piece.
Expect a Short Ride with a Sharp Message
With a playtime under 10 minutes, this game won’t offer hours of gameplay or replayability. But what it does provide is an unexpectedly sharp commentary wrapped in absurd humor and lo-fi design. Once you complete your odd quest, you're met with a quirky ending, developer notes, and a credit roll that marks the end of your very brief adventure.
Final Thoughts
scotty goes to centrelink isn’t about complex gameplay—it’s about using games as a creative form of political expression. With its ragdoll antics, comedic absurdity, and critical undertones, it manages to entertain while also making a bold statement. While it’s not a game you’ll come back to, it’s one worth experiencing—if only once—for its sheer uniqueness and biting satire.
