Bug Wars

Bug Wars is an interactive battle game popular with teenage gamers. The object of the game is to locate and destroy as many armoured bugs as possible within a time limit, whilst avoiding being shot at by the bugs. Players are connected to a laser blaster which delivers a mild jolt whenever the computer-controlled bugs manage to score a hit. The manufacturers guarantee that – as long as the game remains in the factory state – the laser blast should not cause significant injury to users.

On 9 May 2144, teenager Peter Warzecha was killed in a Minneapolis retro-arcade whilst playing the game. Police determined that the computer had been tampered with to provide a so-called "full-juice" laser blast.

Arcade manager, Hy Zap refused to take responsibility for the teenager's death: "Full-juicing" is the new craze. Teenagers do it for thrills. They dare each other to notch up the current. I wouldn't be surprised if this kid reset the laser himself. Look, I can't be everywhere. It's up to the manufacturers to find a way to make these games tamper-proof.

Warzecha was the third fatality due to illegally modified battle games in 2144. Authorities promised to investigate stricter regulation of Virtual Reality retro-arcades.