NationStates is a government simulation game where you manage a virtual country's administration. You do this by responding to issues which affect your nation's political freedom, civil rights, and economy. It is up to you to decide how your country is run which makes it an unusual combination of problem-solving and political manoeuvring.

At the start of the game, you set up a nation by answering a political questionnaire that determines what type of government your nations has. You can create your own flag, choose a currency, motto, national animal, and a classification. Then, as time proceeds, various issues are brought to your attention, and your response to them affects your government and your nation's attributes, either positively or negatively.

You start with five million inhabitants and as real time passes, you gain more population and unlock three more characteristics: a capital city, leader, and national religion. You can then join the World Assembly, which is similar to the United Nations. This enables you to participate in passing legislation or recognising other nations for good or bad actions. You can also join regions and groups of nations controlled by other players online to control a geographical region.

This results in a game that is undeniably unique. NationStates stands to provide a political playground for players of all ages to learn about how a nation is run through fun, interesting role-play and decision-making.