Games are kind of like stories. There is a point of conflict (everyone is trying to win), a climax (the end of the game or round) and stakes (bragging rights, if nothing else, unless you’re playing for money). Some games, like Clue, have actual stories inside them, where the game is about a group of people walking around a mansion trying to solve a murder.

Because of these similarities, it’s not uncommon to have stories either be about games or incorporate them into the story. The game can mirror the outside conflict of the story like the chess games in The Queen’s Gambit, or the game itself can be the central conflict like in Ender’s Game and Ready Player One. Similarly, the stakes can be anything from just winning a game, to literally the fate of the world (see Ender’s Game for that).

Story Prompt: May 18, 2026

Write a story about a game

There are many kinds of games. I didn’t even mention sports stories, which are all about games and a whole genre in themselves. There are kid’s games (see Squid Game), card games, video games, board games, roleplaying games, etc.

If you write a story for this prompt, send me a link to your story on your own site, either in the comments or at info@greenwalledtreehouse.com. You can also submit your story here for a chance to have it published on the site next week.