WarGames: Defcon 1 is a tactical shooter for PlayStation set twenty years after the film. Players take on the roles of NORAD forces or the WOPR system, aiming to prevent a WOPR-led extinction event. The game features diverse vehicles including NORAD tanks and WOPR mechs, with players managing teams to resupply or repair as they fight for survival in strategic combat scenarios.
The player gets to play as NORAD or WOPR. According to the game's cover box, the story takes place 20 years after the film: WOPR attempts to exterminate humanity and NORAD tried to stop it. During a mission the player takes control of a vehicle and can change the controls of any vehicle the team has - for example, while NORAD has heavily armored and armed tanks and aircraft, WOPR possesses exotically futuristic mechs and hovercraft. Vehicles could recharge ammo by obtaining powers. A unique feature in the game allows the player to command their team to send resupply on ammos or repair damage units. The game allows the player to command teammates to attack or follow the player's main vehicle.