The recent protests in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar have taken a digital turn with the launch of a new browser-based video game titled ‘Jantar Mantar Chalo’. This innovative project was created by 27-year-old Suraj Kushwah, an IT professional from Bareilly. The game transforms the dynamics of the ongoing protests into an interactive experience, allowing players to engage in a virtual battleground.

Kushwah, who works as a DevOps engineer at oneplay.in and operates a Linux-focused YouTube channel under the name ‘bugswriter’, developed the game over two sleepless nights. He was inspired by the news coverage of the protests, noting that many individuals were seeking various ways to reach the protest site at Jantar Mantar. He described the concept as a blend of dark humour and social commentary.

Since its launch, the game has gained significant popularity, especially after Kushwah shared a gameplay video on Instagram. Following its viral success, the number of active players online reportedly exceeded 1,500, demonstrating the game’s widespread appeal among the youth.

Gameplay Mechanics and Objectives

‘Jantar Mantar Chalo’ allows players to choose between two factions: the protesters, known as Andolankaris, and the Delhi Police. The game diverges from traditional platformers by adopting mechanics similar to the popular multiplayer game Slither, where players engage in a tug-of-war that emphasises numerical strength.

As protesters, players aim to gather supporters and form a large procession, or kafila, while navigating through barricades to reach Jantar Mantar for a dharna. To successfully complete their journey, players must avoid police encounters, utilise a gamchha to evade surveillance, and consume golgappas to replenish stamina. Additionally, they must be wary of “Godi media,” which can mislead their followers and diminish their group size.

If a protester is detained, the game transports them to remote locations, such as the Kapashera border or Narela Stadium, where they must strategise their return to the protest site. Conversely, players representing the Delhi Police work to thwart the protesters’ advance using various tactics, including lathi charges and detentions.

Satirical Commentary on Modern Protests

The game serves as a sharp social commentary on the complexities of contemporary public demonstrations. As players progress, they encounter pop-up notifications that reflect real-life unpredictability, such as sudden metro station closures and abrupt internet outages. These elements mimic the challenges faced by protesters in actual scenarios.

The urban landscape within the game is populated with familiar obstacles, including potholes, overflowing garbage, and stray animals obstructing paths. Players can find temporary refuge at roadside tea stalls or designated safe havens like local Gurudwaras. A satirical news ticker at the bottom of the screen provides humorous commentary on current events, with lines such as “Tear gas shells found past expiry date, protesters file consumer complaint.”

The game also includes an ideological element, where players encounter news crews that can either amplify their message or detract from their numbers, depending on the type of media they engage with. Kushwah had anticipated the game’s viral potential, expressing confidence before its launch that it would resonate widely with audiences.

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