BERLIN – In an effort to “bring realism back to education,” the German government has launched Bureaucracy Simulator 24, a virtual reality program that helps teenagers experience the crippling frustration of adulthood — without ever leaving the classroom.
The game begins with players waking up in a beige digital waiting room. Their first mission: locate the correct counter to register for permission to start the tutorial. Unfortunately, all the counters are closed for lunch.
Education Minister Helga Schreiber calls it “an essential life skill.”
“Our students need to understand that in the real world, happiness depends entirely on having the right document, stamped by a person who left work 20 minutes ago,” Schreiber explained proudly.
Players can unlock increasingly difficult levels such as:
- Level 2: “Apply for a Parking Permit Without Losing the Will to Live”
- Level 5: “Find Out Why Your Tax Office Sent You a Letter About a Letter You Haven’t Received”
- Boss Level: “Renew Your Passport — in August.”
The simulator features ultra-realistic dialogue with AI clerks who sigh audibly and ask you to “come back tomorrow” no matter what you say. The soundtrack alternates between fluorescent light buzzing and the distant sound of a fax machine having a nervous breakdown.
Beta testers described the experience as “educational,” “soul-crushing,” and “too accurate.” One 17-year-old reportedly refused to take off the VR headset, saying, “If adulthood is like this, I’m staying in the menu.”
The Ministry has confirmed expansion packs are already in development, including “Bureaucracy Simulator: University Admissions Edition” and “Marriage Certificate Mayhem.”