Fantasy Forecast Data

In this paper, we cover the creation of Fantasy Forecast, a gamified forecasting platform used for hosting forecasting competitions, or ‘tournaments’ that was deployed in the run-up to and over the course of the 2023 UK local elections. This research is an interdisciplinary endeavour, gamifying the humanities to create a platform centred on elections and other political phenomena, informed by both quantitative (site use metrics and survey responses) and qualitative (user feedback) data. We provide a background of gamification research, a thorough summary of the platform’s design, outlining the rationale behind key aspects of the site that is embedded within Self-Determination Theory, a motivational framework within gamification research. Subsequently, we detail the methodology underpinning the local elections tournament, before exploring the data generated from surveys and site use. We find strong evidence of relationships between increased site usage and psychological need satisfaction, as well as evidence to suggest shifts in self-assessed knowledge occurred as a result of tournament participation. Overall, Fantasy Forecast aims to be platform for expanding political participation, an inclusive medium that aims to lower the barriers to entry and allow those who may not otherwise participate to be more involved.