DEFCON is an online, competitive, multiplayer strategy game based around the theme of global thermonuclear war. The game, inspired by the 1983 cult-classic Wargames, superbly evokes the tension, paranoia and suspicion surrounding the Cold War era. The player assumes the role of a General hidden deep within an underground bunker, his mission being to successfully exterminate the enemy’s civilian population whilst simultaneously disabling the enemy’s ability to retaliate. Desperate attempts must be made to form fast, tactical alliances - alliances that may at any moment break-down to become treacherous and very deadly betrayals.

Each finalist took part in a series of matches throughout the day, using different DEFCON game modes to test their overall expertise at nuclear warfare strategy.

“The tournament was deliberately designed to test a player’s overall competence at DEFCON,” said Chris Delay, the creative brains behind the game. “Speed DEFCON requires a very different set of skills compared to a full 45-minute game. You have to react a lot faster, think on your feet and it’s great for seeing which players can handle the pressure best!”

The whole tournament final was supported by Philips amBX PC Gaming Peripherals. amBX was also used to drive the lighting effects throughout the centre, creating a chilling atmosphere of suspense and impending doom in combination with the melancholic DEFCON soundtrack.

The six finalists with the highest aggregate scores from their matches were then chosen to compete in the final. The final was a tense affair requiring an extremely skilful use (and abuse) of diplomacy. The eventual winner, Abdul Mojid, 15 years old, had demonstrated with ease his ability to betray the rest of the team in earlier matches as he swept his way to final victory.

Mojid was delighted with his winnings, which included a whole host of goodies including a 50” Philips plasma screen TV, Premium Philips amBX PC Gaming Peripherals kit, Logitech keyboard, mouse and speakers. The rest of the 30 finalists didn’t go home empty-handed for their endeavours either, as all finalists received an Introversion goodie bag, complete with MP3 player, t-shirts, Introversion’s back catalogue and much more.