We’ve all seen ads for games to play on our cell phones. But imagine my surprise when I saw a game called “Township.” It was as if the game gods were speaking directly to me! I couldn’t help myself from giving it a try.
Spoil alert: “Township” the game is NOT at all like township government reality. In this game, you planted fields and sold produce to get people to live in the community. You had to actually purchase funds from the game itself. Some options were $75 or more. For this, you could buy corn/wheat seeds and other options.
It was apparent that those involved in the creation of this game never stood in front of an audience of concerned citizens complaining about any number of problems that confront elected officials.
While “Township” the game was a bust, it got me thinking how a version of the game could be designed to more accurately reflect the real life of township operations. If the game were to focus on key aspects of township operations, such as infrastructure and growth management, it could offer a unique and engaging learning experience. For instance, the inclusion of zoning could prompt players to consider how a township can effectively handle growth, adding a layer of complexity to the game.
Maybe the game could build roads and bridges, and the participant would need to get the products for the best price and coordinate his workforce and contractors to improve the community. The choices could be to tar and chip a road or have it milled up and repaved. The challenge of purchasing heavy equipment for plowing snow, hauling gravel, grading roads, mowing berms, and replacing them at the right time to maximize their use and value would undoubtedly make for a challenging gaming experience.
Unfortunately, that’s not what you get with the current “Township” game. Maybe after all these years in the business of township management I couldn’t help myself from overanalyzing it. In the end, “Township” the game is just an entertaining, amusing way to pass the time. Township operations in real life are far more complex, but it can still be plenty of fun!
So maybe skip the mobile games and stick with the real thing instead. “Fire this thing up," and let’s rack up a winning score by helping to improve your community!
About the Author
David L. Anthony is a member of the Keystone Municipal Solutions team of experts. He is a veteran of municipal government, having served more than 33 years in various positions of public service. Contact him at david@keystonemunicipalsolutions.com. To learn more about David and the Keystone Municipal Solutions team, click here.
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