Fallout from Fallout.

Concept art of Washington D.C. if it fell victim to nuclear warfare with China http://fallout.bethsoft.com/eng/art/fnv-screenshots1.php

A common theme in Fallout is music and posters from the 1950's.  This isn't one isn't real, but mock posters like these can be found all over. Courtesy of www.etsy.com / www.google.com

            Staying with the theme of video games and the nuclear bomb, I introduce to you Fallout 3. Fallout 3 won "The Game of the Year" in 2009. This game was ground breaking game that was played by millions. So, what messages does this game relay to the masses that have played it?

             In the world of Fallout 3 the North American landscape is absolutely devastated because of nuclear warfare with China in 2077. You play a character who grew up in one of the many underground vaults in the United States. Vaults that were created because the government felt that nuclear war was inevitable. China invaded Alaska and took over our oil supplies, so we nuked China, and then they nuked us until there was nothing left. The main character emerges from the vault in the 23rd century, entering what was Washington D.C., but is now called "Capital Wasteland". In the game you can acquire a weapon called "Fat Man" and even detonate a nuclear bomb in a settlement if you so choose. However, the version of the game released in Japan does not have the weapon or that option due to the sensitivity of the subject. 

           China is an emerging super power, a super power that we have an immense debt to. This is common knowledge that is most likely known to almost, if not all Americans. Creating a game that shows the U.S. Capital in ruins (the Lincoln Memorial is missing it's head) must create a fear in those who play the game. The games scenario is very unlikely, but not entirely improbable. Should the audience feel fear? What do games like this do to American pride? Without a doubt, I feel that the audience of the game can see the possibility of the United States falling from the top of the food chain, passing the torch if you will. It also shows that we are not untouchable, we have used nuclear weapons on others, what could stop someone from using them on us? Fallout 3 shows us a possible realistic future for the United States (though there are fantasy elements) and can serve as a reality check for us. Much like Braid, this game is excellent for bringing awareness to it's audience. 

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http://www.pcworld.com/article/153102/fallout3_review.html