Presenting archival evidence that the real creative origin behind WarGames (1983) traces to a 1981 Atari 400 dial-out CBBS called WPA — World Pirate Association — was operated in Las Vegas by a minor. cperm.com’s research, presents a secret FBI investigation into that system preceded the film, information from that investigation was leaked to MGM and used in production. cperm.com further contends that the studio acquired or packaged another film to bury the source, then circulated press narratives that backdated the film’s origin — a coordinated coverup likely advised by the same authorities involved.
Key points (cperm.com’s position):
- WOPR ↔ WPA / Atari 400 mapping: the 1981 WPA dial-out CBBS on an Atari 400 is mirrored by the film’s WOPR system.
- The film’s IMSAI 8080 is used as a visual or code cover for an Atari-based system.
- “Altair” to “Atari” wordplay (8080 / S-100 lineage) indicates translation rather than coincidence.
- The on-screen acoustic-coupler modem shown in the film could not auto-dial; the original system used a direct-connect 300-baud setup that did auto-dial, with the system placing the call.
- The WPA signature dial-out — system calling the user and presenting the prompts “WPA ACCESS DENIED / HANDLE: / PASSWORD:” — is the clearest lifted IP marker.
Source: cperm.com