War Game by Bryce Walton (1971)
The story takes place in a future where war games have become a reality. The United Nations Cellar is a underground facility where diplomats from five major nations meet to decide the fate of the world through a game-like scenario. The Secretary of State, Chandler Thompson, has been preparing for this moment and believes that the only way to achieve peace is through the annihilation of the world's population. The story follows Morten, a valet who serves Thompson, as he witnesses the events unfold in the Cellar. Morten is initially numb and detached from the proceedings, but as the reality of the situation sets in, he begins to question his own morality and the true nature of the game. As the Ministers make their declarations and push buttons on the conference table, the world above is destroyed through a network of electronic relays connected to thermonuclear bombs. Morten is tasked with pressing the final button that will annihilate Russia, but he hesitates and ultimately decides not to do so. The story then jumps to the President of the United States, who is watching the events unfold on TV. He comments on the inevitability of the situation and the fact that the people have taken matters into their own hands by rebelling against the system. The narrative ends with a philosophical reflection on the nature of humanity and the consequences of playing with fire. The story raises questions about the morality of war, the role of individuals in shaping history, and the true cost of peace.
By Bryce Walton · First published 1971 · Genre: Science Fiction, Military Fiction, Fantasy · 3,093 words
First lines
_The playing of war games should not be forbidden; but rather viewed as a natural outlet for emotional tensions._ -- DR. L. M. STOLTZ, STANFORD UNIVERSITY
The Minister of Peace asked the United States President if he had heard from the Secretary of State. "Yes," the President said. "I heard from Mr. Thompson only a few minutes ago."
What this Textopian page supports
War Game is listed on Textopian as a short story by Bryce Walton, dated 1971 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Bryce Walton
- Date: 1971 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Military Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 3,093 words
- Structure: 1 section, 58 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for War Game by Bryce Walton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering War Game?
- How does this short story by Bryce Walton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The book presents a future world scenario based on warfare strategies and use of advanced technology, a characteristic of Science Fiction genre.
- Military Fiction — The story revolves around warfare and military strategies, fitting it well into the Military Fiction genre.
- Fantasy — The plot includes elements that are clearly imaginative and beyond reality, which falls under Fantasy genre.
- Adventure — The continuous action, danger and pursuit of a goal in the story classify it as an Adventure genre.
Tags
war · strategy · conflict · military · adventure · youth · friendship · courage · survival · tactics · teamwork · drama