The Game (3 page)

  The death spiral of society was the problem, and Brandon was pleased to announce that The Game was going to be the solution. Schools and current teaching models had been in place for centuries, but they were no longer effective. With the approval of the government, children would now go to school by playing The Game. Simulations have always been an effective method for training, enabling students to learn safely before being put into real life situations. They have always been viewed as a valuable way to teach. Pilots, surgeons, soldiers, and many other professions have excelled over the years, thanks to simulation training.

  The Game was designed to be the ultimate in simulation training
—
a virtual reality life simulation, where children would start off first as simple organisms and then progress in complexity with each play, as they aged and mastered the basics of the Game, to more evolved characters, known as “avatars.” Each play of the Game would be a lifetime, some short, some long. Time would be measured differently inside the computer simulation for players, allowing them to live decades in the Game while only a short time would pass in reality. The Game would be every child’s new school. At the age of five, each student would enter the Game free of charge for their first five plays. A credit system was created so that students would accumulate credits as they moved through their virtual lifetimes. The credits earned would be deposited into their own account at the end of their play. The first five plays would be free and then the child would use credits from their account to buy into new plays.

  Some children would not accumulate enough credits to buy new plays, which would result in them dropping out of the Game.  Dropouts would attend old style public schools if they were still young enough to live with their parents; if they were older than 14, the students would attend government run institutions, where they would be trained for labour and simple jobs which would available to them upon reaching the age of 18.

  Over time, students would earn enough credits from living as simple organisms so that they could purchase the ability to play as humans. This was the higher purpose for developing the Game and where the real learning would occur. Understanding what a person can learn from just one lifetime, imagine living five or even ten lifetimes, all before turning 18!

  There is a saying that “youth is wasted on the young,” which is true in many ways. With the Game, a young person could become an adult with lifetimes of wisdom in their psyche already. It was an incredible opportunity, and the Game as a replacement for traditional schooling was accepted by every country in record time.

  All countries quickly agreed to let small test groups participate in the Game. The results were overwhelmingly positive, and in just a few short years, the Game was the primary method for teaching children worldwide. That was a generation ago, and although a few virtual reality products have been slowly developed and introduced, VirtDyne owns them all, and each product revolves around what has become the world’s greatest obsession... The Game.”

Chapter 6

  The television monitor faded to black and the studio lights blazed to life. Lisa smiled and began her interview.

  “The 18th of next month marks the 30th anniversary of The Big Bang, the term that VirtDyne uses to describe the activation of the computer network that gave birth to the virtual universe of the Game. Mr. Brandon Strayne joins us live tonight to discuss the festivities surrounding the anniversary, and also to talk about one of the most exciting players currently in the Game and the excitement being generated over his final play. Thank you for joining us, Mr. Strayne.”

  “Please, Lisa,” Brandon said, ”Call me Brandon.”

  Lisa returned his smile, a slight blush working its way through her makeup. She was definitely picturing herself as his new girlfriend after the taping. It took all of his control not to laugh out loud at her eagerness. Maybe he would take her out for dinner. ”Thank you, Brandon. First let me ask you what’s on everyone’s mind lately. Are there going to be special events taking place inside the Game, and, if so, can you share any of the details?”

  “Well Lisa, I don’t want to ruin any surprises... I
can
say that there are going to be
many
special events inside the Game this year to celebrate its 30-year anniversary. Some will be obvious to viewers; many will not be. As I’ve already admitted, none of the programming is mine, and I’m going to be as surprised and excited as everyone else over the next year. I’m especially excited to see if my young benefactor can pull off a spectacular and incredibly rare feat, ending his final play in the Game as the number one player in the world.”

  “Yes, let’s talk about that. Zack was nowhere near the top when he began his last reincarnation, yet when he died he had solidly landed the number two rank. What do you say to those critics out there who will claim he only did so well because he has you for his Patron?”

  Brandon laughed softly. ”I would say these people have no idea what the Game is or how it’s played, Lisa. First of all, Zack was reincarnated ranked 752. When you look at the world rankings of
millions
of currently active players, 752
is
in the top ranks. Secondly, check the history over the last twenty-nine years; I have, and you’ll see jumps much more drastic than what Zack just experienced. It might seem like a big leap, but the first hundred thousand players can jump around and capture top ten ranking spots if they have a good life inside the Game.”

  “You’re exactly right, Brandon.” Lisa said. She then went on to describe a set of graphs being  displayed to the audience showing many large swings in ranks over the years, identifying the specific players who had experienced them. When she was done detailing the graphs, Brandon continued with his defence.

  “If people still continue to claim that I’m somehow helping Zack from outside of the Game, let me assure you that it’s impossible. The code and expense and massive shifting in the virtual timeline, as well as the billions, if not trillions of individuals that would be adversely affected in the Game, ensures that such a thing never happens. Over the years, hackers have tried to get into, and influence, the Game. Only the Games Masters can do so, and the exhaustive time and effort required to make even the smallest change to the virtual universe is so complicated that tampering like you are suggesting could never happen. Twelve Games Masters are required to work together to make a change.” Brandon leaned forward. “It’s simply not something that would be possible, Lisa. The Games Masters take their responsibility too seriously to be corrupted, let alone all twelve of them falling prey to greed.  The Game won’t let even the Games Masters interfere too much. They are called on very rarely and with all their effort they can affect only the smallest of changes. No, Lisa, what happens in the Game is unscripted and uncontrolled by anyone outside of it. Part of what makes the Game so incredible is that when left on its own, the Mainframe creates events  better than we could possibly come up with ourselves.”

  The issue addressed and resolved, Lisa brought the conversation back to the hot topic at hand. ”Can he do it, Brandon?” she asked. ”Can Zack be one of the few to finish his last play ranked number one? Or will he take the safe way out and just coast through to ensure he retires from the Game as a very,
very
wealthy individual in reality?”

  “Well, only
he
can know for certain, Lisa.” Brandon said with a boyish grin, ”But if I were to bet on this Game, then I’d bet he’s going to go for it. Of course, I know a few very wealthy people who are putting their life savings on him
not
going for it. So we’ll all just have to wait and see and hope that he gives us an incredible farewell show. If you want to try and figure it out for yourself, be sure to see his interview with Angelica later this week.”

  Lisa’s jaw dropped. ”
The
Angelica?” she asked. ”The last player to do exactly what we’re hoping Zack can do?  She captured the number one spot on her last play and it was so incredible that replays and Firsting sales of her last incarnation are
still
best sellers, four years after the event! No one’s seen her since her victory tour.”

  “That’s her, all right,” Brandon nodded. ”I imagine there will be a turnout for
that
program.”

  “Well, you heard it here first, everyone,” Lisa said. ”Brandon, I’d like to thank you for sitting with me tonight to talk about the upcoming events in the Game. It’s sure to be an exciting time for everyone, both player and spectator alike!”

  “I have one more announcement before we go, Lisa.” Brandon said.

  “Of course, Brandon. What would you like to share with us?”

  “The Mainframe has announced that it’s giving a free play to someone who had previously dropped out.  A free play hasn’t been awarded from the Game for over three years, and I was wondering if I could tell you now who it will be?”

  “This has been an exciting interview with lots of exclusive news, Brandon! By all means, announce the lucky player’s name for the audience.”

  “Alexandra Montoyas, age 17, is the name of the free play winner. It’s very exciting that she will be getting a free play at this time in the Game’s history. Here’s hoping that she’s able to take advantage of it and does some entertaining things for us to witness during her play.”

  “Alexandra Montoyas…” Lisa said slowly, as if the name sounded familiar to her. Brandon looked at her calmly, savouring the look of shock as it appeared on the young journalist’s face. ”Zack’s old girlfriend? The brilliant young player who, for no apparent reason, walked away from the Game, leaving her considerable fortune behind, and has dropped off the face of the planet?”

  Brandon nodded slightly, looking as if Lisa had just reminded him exactly who they were talking about. ”Ah, yes, that’s right, Lisa. Well I’m sure the Game has something interesting in store for us to watch by inviting her back in. I can’t wait to see what happens.” Brandon looked slyly into the camera, locking eyes with each person in their home watching the program, “How about you?”

Chapter 7

  It was days before Alexandra Montoyas heard the news. She had spent the last year in public school; there wasn’t much time to watch the news.

  Since walking away from the Game, life had become a nightmare from which Alexandra couldn’t seem to wake up.

  Alexandra, or Alex, as her friends called her, was always a fairly normal and unremarkable child. For the first few years of her career she’d been a very mediocre player in the Game. Each play was a struggle just to earn enough points to be able to buy her way into the next playing session.

  Life for Alex had changed when a few well spent credits — her last credits — placed her life close to some high ranked players in the Game. Purchased serendipity and good luck resulted in her game avatar marrying the number 400 ranked player. That marriage led to her giving birth to the number 1209 ranked player, who played extremely well, finishing his play ranked 642 thanks in large part to Alex’s parenting. That was enough to do two things; finish her play with extra credits to spend on further upgrades, and allow her to continue playing the Game. It also earned her some attention. She began to attract fans.

  Every player dreamed of building a fan following. Fans talked about your virtual lives in the Game. They started fan clubs and discussion boards to talk about your plays and how it affected other Gamers. Fans made you into a celebrity, with status. Wealthy fans bought your virtual life experiences or “plays,” plugging into their own virtual reality simulators (simplified models that allowed only a portion of the experience, but still very real entertainment) so that they could experience some of your life in the Game as you had lived it. Fans recommended you to their friends, who soon became fans as well. The real key to becoming wealthy after you turned 18 was in gaining fans who would continue to spend money on your past lives, which would keep money rolling into your bank account long after you left the Game.

  At the age of 15, Alex had found herself becoming a Gaming superstar. She was soon offered a Patronage, and with that backing, the next two years were an incredible climb up the standings of players. Moving from a ranking of around 922 million to one of the top million players in the world (ranking 849,000 was still burned into her mind as one incredibly happy day!), Alex had become a popular player to follow.

  Then Alex had met Zack. They began to move in the same circles, running into each other more frequently as Alex climbed the social ladder. Soon they became friends and, not long after that, the friendship blossomed into romance. They were the talk of the airwaves, two popular and successful celebrities dating; just what fans craved.

  Alex had it all; fame, fortune and the adoration of millions. Zack was an amazing boyfriend, and she woke up happy each day that her life was going so well. She felt as if nothing could go wrong!

  Then one decision and some very bad luck took it all away.

  Alex and Zack had come up with an exciting plan, deciding to carry their relationship into the Game. It had been done many times throughout the history of the Game, but when the press got word of Alex and Zack’s plan, fans everywhere became excited to see how it would turn out. Preorders for their next incarnations started to pour in. The world became obsessed with what would happen when Alex and Zack’s avatars hooked up in the Game. Would they fall in love and be happy? Would they miss each other and live two houses apart their whole lives, never knowing who the other was inside the Game and missing out on big chances to advance in standing? Would they marry and fall out of love, maybe having affairs and becoming miserable in their virtual lives because of each other? The possibilities were endless and everyone had their own opinion on how it would turn out. No matter what happened, everyone agreed it would be an incredible story to watch.