The original game was released in 2007 in the United States by Tri-Synergy, with added events and policies, and a special mode in which the player controls a fictional nation. The game received "mixed" reviews, according to game aggregator Metacritic. Website Game Tunnel scored the game 8/10 overall, stating "losing a game of "Democracy" is almost as rewarding as winning your next election" and "there is always the motivation to do better next time". The website also awarded "Democracy" its own 2005 'Simulation Game of the Year' award. About.com rated the game 3.5/5 and said ""Democracy" does exactly what it sets out to do - get you thinking about how even small changes effect [sic different groups of people".