In La Bataille du budget, a free online video game, players take on the role of a Minister of Finance tasked with navigating the complex process of getting a financial bill approved. The game blends education with entertainment, offering insights into the real-world challenges of balancing budgets, managing public opinion, and dealing with external pressures from institutions like the European Union. Created by Rayan Nezzar, an associate professor in tax law and public finance at the Sorbonne, the game was initially designed for his students to better understand the intricacies of public finance. It has since gained popularity for its engaging and realistic portrayal of the political and economic decisions involved in budget-making. The game is inspired by Nezzar’s own experiences, including his time at Bercy, the French Ministry of Finance, where he conducted simulations, and his work with Paradox Interactive, a well-known developer of strategy and management games. Players can explore various scenarios, such as implementing reforms that include cutting family allowances for foreign residents, abolishing the Council of Economic, Social and Environmental Affairs (Cese), ending tax breaks for retirees, and reducing funding for local authorities. These measures aim to lower the public deficit from 5.9% to 5.4%, but they may not satisfy Brussels’ expectations, leading to added pressures like freezing civil servant salaries. In one scenario, players must manage crises such as the war in the Middle East, strikes by part-time workers, and sudden reforms pushed by the president. Poor handling of these issues can result in failure to secure the necessary votes, leading to a drop in popularity and eventual removal from the role. Nezzar highlights the tough choices faced by policymakers: making unpopular cuts may be necessary but can risk political legitimacy. He points out that cutting too broadly may not be a viable option in a democratic setting. Another scenario explores a different strategy, focusing on deficit reduction through measures like cutting family allowances for higher-income families, introducing inheritance taxes for the wealthy, and reintroducing the wealth tax (ISF). This approach aligns with left-wing policies and could lead to a more popular government, but it also risks increasing public debt and interest rates. The game also presents challenges such as receiving emergency aid from the Troika—a group consisting of the IMF, European Central Bank, and European Commission—on the condition that certain reforms are accepted, which could reduce the government's autonomy. The game remains politically neutral, offering a bank of 200 policy measures that span both right-wing and left-wing ideologies. According to its creator, the game has attracted 200,000 unique users within just 24 hours, demonstrating its appeal to a wide audience interested in understanding the complexities of public finance and governance.