Despotism 3k is a dark comedic strategy game in which players take the role of an AI that has seized power and must keep a population of humans working to generate energy. Balancing food, housing, and productivity against the humans' survival drives the core loop.

Its darkly humorous tone and roguelike, management-heavy systems give the survival strategy genre a distinct satirical edge. Fans of satirical management games will find its premise and systems entertaining.