So what will the world be like in 3991? Just ask the gamer who has played Civilization for TEN years!

For the average gamer a title will lose its appeal after a month or two, maybe a year in some circumstances.

One gamer has blown that shelf life to smithereens, having played god game ‘Civilization II’ for more than a decade – in turn predicting a rather grim future for mankind.

Reddit user Lycerius has admitted that his like for the game grew into more of an obsession, playing through more than 7,000 in-game years. During that time Earth became a “hellish nightmare of suffering and devastation” in which there are three superpowers “competing for the scant resources left on the planet after dozens of nuclear wars have rendered vast swaths of the world uninhabitable wastelands”.

The dystopian future which the game predicted caused Lycerius to appeal for help, in a bid the “rebuild the world”. Among Earth’s problems are:

•    Continually melting polar ice caps, making “every inch of land in the world that isn't a mountain is inundated swamp land”.

•     Most of the world’s inhabitants perished from famine or nuclear wars

•    Three supernations rule the face of the Earth, the Celts [played by Lycerius], the Vikings and the Americans

•    Standoff between these nations has caused a war which has lasted 1,700 years. Lycerius said: “Every time a cease fire is signed, the Vikings will surprise attack me or the Americans the very next turn, often with nuclear weapons.”

Lycerius’ post on the site prompted a huge reaction from readers, with many offering their own solutions to the eternally warring Earth.

“Fantastic post… this was awesome,” said user CommanderSpace. Another user added: “This was such an amazing story, I can't wait for more.”

Responding to the offers of help Lycerius said: “Wow guys, thanks for all your support. I had no idea this post would get this kind of response- I'll be sure to keep you guys updated on my efforts.”