The BBC has created a new interactive narrative, 'How To Survive A Nuclear Attack', designed to educate 16-24 year olds on surviving a nuclear strike. The project is based on the recently declassified British government war game 'Exercise Regenerate' from 1982, and draws on historical Cold War nuclear threats.
The narrative spans three days and three nights, starting moments before bombs drop and ending with a military rescue on the morning of Day Four. Players make decisions to avoid radiation and dangerous situations, managing their health and morale levels, which are measured on screen. Poor choices can lead to death, while good ones improve survival chances.
All scenarios are fact-based, using sources including eyewitness accounts from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Cold War exercises like 'WINTEX-CIMEX 83', and expert projections for Britain's post-nuclear response. The experience features a scrolling parallax graphic novel style, interactive decision points, and embedded video content for emotional impact.
At the end of each day, players can access a 'secret dossier' with historical context and consequences of their choices. The project was developed by BBC History & Business in collaboration with digital agency Jollywise, as part of the BBC Connected Studios initiative exploring future digital content.
