Become the Editor in Media Circus
Papercoda Games, a women-led indie studio dedicated to creating impactful experiences, has announced its latest project, Media Circus. This narrative strategy title puts players in the role of editor-in-chief, launching and running their own newspaper in a satirical animal world where survival in the ruthless news business is anything but guaranteed.
The game has already drawn significant attention, winning the Best Spiel Award at the Indie Game Fest 2025 through audience votes. It will also feature at the Games for Democracy stall in the Indie Arena Booth during Gamescom 2025. Early demos have been showcased at events such as A MAZE. / Berlin 2025, DoKomi 2025, and Reboot Develop Blue 2025, where players praised its freedom to publish anything, its temptation to sell their soul, and the ability to do propaganda.
Media Circus draws from the designer’s own background in journalism and reflects her growing disillusionment with the industry’s decline. “We made this game because we want to remind everyone what’s at stake when the Fourth Estate falters,” said the team at Papercoda, “But we also want to do it in a way that’s engaging, thought-provoking, and — above all — fun.”
In Media Circus, your mission is clear: control the story, control the world. Players assign reporters, plan headlines, manage advertising, and balance the competing demands of profit and influence. Every faction is eager to claim space on the front page, forcing tough decisions that can make or break both the paper and its editor. Whether you prioritize integrity, profit, or pure chaos, the choice and the consequences are yours.
With sharp satire and strategic depth, Media Circus promises to offer a playful yet pointed look at the forces shaping public opinion.