Only You Can Save Mankind (1992) is the first novel in the Johnny Maxwell trilogy of children's books and fifth young adult novel by Terry Pratchett. The setting of the novels in the modern world was a departure for Pratchett, who writes more regularly in fantasy world settings.
It's just a game...isn't it?
The alien spaceship is in his sights. His finger is on the Fire button. Johnny Maxwell is about to set the new high score on the computer game Only You Can Save Mankind.
Suddenly, a message appears:
We wish to talk. We surrender.
But the aliens aren't supposed to surrender — they're supposed to die!