Sky TV’s The Wargame uses AI footage to stage fictional Russian attacks

Sky TV’s The Wargame is a four-part documentary series based on the 2025 podcast of the same name. It follows a fictional UK cabinet, made up of former MPs from multiple parties, as it responds to an invented crisis involving Russia.

The scenario begins with the suspicious murders of two RAF soldiers and escalates toward a simulated attack on UK targets. Producers provide instructions to the Russian side and other international players, while the UK participants make decisions during the exercise. Four episodes are scheduled to be released nightly on Sky and NOW from September 21.

TechRadar’s Jasmine Valentine reports that the series openly uses generative AI visual effects to show Russian missiles hitting numerous UK targets. The production also includes a fictional COBR-style boardroom, military operations room and press room, alongside fake TikTok clips showing real-life influencers reacting to fictional breaking news.

The military capabilities shown are fictional. At the launch, Sturgeon said governments should hope for the best but prepare for the worst, including stronger public preparedness. The series presents its scenario as unreal, while asking viewers to consider how a similar crisis might be handled.