Not For Broadcast is a full-motion propaganda simulator with dystopian and political satire, developed by NotGames and published by tinyBuild for Microsoft Windows PC systems. As a single-player experience, the simulator’s worldbuilding and simple mechanics give players an array of choices that dictate many in-game details. Not For Broadcast’s simulator gameplay is only hampered by its complicated audio mechanics and rushed tutorial, but more than makes up for it with thorough film coverage with many skilled actors and actresses.
Not For Broadcast takes place in the 1980s on an alternate version of Earth, where the player character (Alex Winston) becomes the new studio director for Channel 1’s National Nightly News. Alex Winston steps in on election night after their predecessor flees the country and the Advance (a radical far-left political party) claims victory. As the game progresses, the Advance becomes stricter in their governance. Players are given a series of editing choices that dictate the Advance’s public image and have long-lasting effects.
Similar to Papers Please, Not For Broadcast separates gameplay into two major sections: simulation broadcasts and a text-based story that explores the player character’s life with their family (and as a citizen). As the game progresses, players receive more responsibilities and editing options to improve their broadcasts. Though the tutorial can become slightly overwhelming, players are given a forgiving learning curve while uncovering the ropes. Broadcasts can have far-reaching effects, bringing severe consequences back to Alex Winston’s family if they aren’t careful with their work and furthering the Advance’s influence over the world. Thankfully, these heavy dystopian themes are offset by the brilliant shenanigans of the cast, resulting in an entertaining political commentary for the current turbulent times.
Despite containing over forty hours of full-motion video footage during broadcasts, Not For Broadcast requires very little from PC systems. In an age where PC games are becoming more demanding every year, Not For Broadcast is a breath of fresh air. Not For Broadcasts lists the minimum system requirements on its Steam page, citing a Windows 10 operating system, 39 GB of available disk space, a dedicated video card with 4 GB VRAM, and at least 6 GB RAM. Most laptops and PC setups should meet the listed system requirements, making Not For Broadcast accessible for most users.
Unfortunately, Not For Broadcast has one unavoidable drawback from its design and implementation. The game’s biggest flaw comes from the downside of listening to multiple speaking at once (tutorial, two television feeds, etc.), which poses an issue for players with hearing disabilities or those unable to comprehend two speakers simultaneously. While the volume of different voices is adjustable, it can become slightly disorienting while playing for several hours at a time. Some players may be required to adjust the audio output in their headphones for a more enjoyable experience. Thankfully, after players finish hearing all their instructions, the volume controls on the broadcast console offers in-game volume adjustment that eases the transition.
Not For Broadcast provides players with a seamless simulator experience, steadily building tension while maintaining constant satirical humor. The propaganda simulator is worthy of several playthroughs to unlock various endings and experience different dialogue, but the game’s humor is enough to make any player come back for more.
Not For Broadcast is available now on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG for $24.99. ScreenRant was provided with a PC code for the purpose of this review.