The fundamental background for humanity's game in Watch the Skies is the real world. The world in 2020 is much the same as it is today.

The world is a bit more networked, some of our technology is a little but more shiny - but the world of 2020 is readily recognisable.

It is still a world of nation-states each tryng to do the best for their people, manoever their way through the minefield of international politics and conflict.

There are still conflicts, the United Nations and the major powers in the world struggle with this - some states are convinced that their only recourse is to war or violence to achieve their national aims, other states face endemic internal violence, humanitarian crises and civil disorder.

So while some human teams will be looking to be actors on the world stage - some will be struggling with their internal demons, or perhaps being a regional power of some significance. Old and new regional rivalries will colour their game play.

The United Nations - that great international clearing house - is a vital forum for airing opinions, seeking redress or negotiating solutions.

The core members of the Security Council act as representatives for those members of the General Assembly who want the UN to take action through a Security Council Resolution. In this game, the UN is a major enabling organisation - asuming, of course, that the nations of Earth want to cooperate within the framework of International Law.

All of these going-on in the world are reported, in real time, by the Global News Network Press Team. Their role is vital for reflecting the attitudes of the general public and the mood of world opinion.

Of course, the global economy is also influenced by the operations of global MegaCorporations. Of course these legitimate businesses have the interests of their shareholders at heart.