by Liam Hogan “There’s a new video game, ADikT, available on the darknet. We think it’s killing users.” Anders half-rolled his eyes before catching the chief’s stony gaze. “What’s this one do? Drag players into the game world? Inflict the virtual damage they get there on their real bodies?” “We’re not sure. Hence: a case […]
by Greg Schwartz “Josh!” His mom stomped into his room. “I’ve been calling you.” “Sorry, Mom. Trying to kill this monster.” Josh feverishly manoeuvred the controller, his face contorted in concentration. “You’ve been playing all day,” she said. “Time to turn it off.” “Two minutes,” Josh pleaded, eyes never leaving the screen. She yanked the […]
by Tracy Davidson He starts his missing son’s latest game. Something to distract him from constant worry, to see what his son played that day. Graphics have changed since his childhood. His avatar walks through a post-apocalyptic landscape. Bodies burning, animals scavenging. Far ahead, a faint figure jumps up and down, screaming at him to […]
by C. A. Fulwell LifeLike: Kelly’s favourite game since age fourteen. So much joy in the virtual family. No pain. No “stupid fucking mistakes.” Just love. After a mistake at twenty-two, she had Emily. Alone. No matter. A little Emily joined LifeLike. Kelly didn’t remember making her, but loved them both. Months passed. No money. […]
by Jonathan Tolstedt Teri wasn’t prepared for what she found in the apartment the biohazard company sent her to clean. The corpse was still sitting on the edge of his couch, mummified, clutching the controller in rotting hands. There was a horrific grin frozen on his face; empty eye sockets locked on the still active […]
by Randall Andrews At the sound of approaching footsteps, Chester hooted softly and toggled the windows on his laptop. A moment later, the doctor stepped into the room, accompanied by a stranger. “Hey, buddy,” the doctor said. “How’s Tetris?” Chester hooted again and signed a response. Level 5. “That’s great.” Then, turning to the stranger, […]
by Dei Walker In her headlamp’s dim light, Mirrim traces the shapes on the ancient stone wall. They resemble claw marks more than runes, but she tries to speak them anyway. She shapes sounds and twists her tongue around impossible syllables with growing ease. Her fingers catch on jagged stone, slicing skin. In the subterranean […]
by P.S. Traum Alicia pointed as the archaeologists entered the labyrinthine Amazonian temple. “See? These ancient ruins predate Mayan, Olmec…” Vik shrugged. “Why build in dark caverns and cliffs under dense jungle canopy?” “Nocturnal? Look, these murals depict an extremely violent culture… My God. Cannibals?” As she stared upward, Alicia stumbled on a pile of […]
by D.R. Forge Locals called the mushrooms that grew on the sacred resting place of their goddess “The Flesh of The Lady.” Maya was curious. “Beautiful, but the natives won’t go,” William warned Maya, winking. “Let me take you.” And he did. To an unmarked, overgrown grave, thinking she wouldn’t know the difference. The jungle […]
by Jeff Currier Squeezing through the crevice, Kianu emerged into a verdant valley. Golden fish filled languid ponds. Pagodas climbed heavenward. A lost Tibetan paradise! But no inhabitants? A breeze swirled grey powder into drifts across the stonework. Kianu rubbed some between his fingers. Ash perhaps? Inside the largest temple, an intricate sand mandala encircled […]