The first big step was the legalization of gladiatorial events, complete with blood and thunder. But more was needed. Sublimations worked only up to a point. Then people demanded the real thing.
There is no substitute for murder.
So murder was legalized, on a strictly individual basis, and only for those who wanted it. The governments were directed to create Emotional Catharsis Boards.
After a period of experimentation, uniform rules were adopted.
Anyone who wanted to murder could sign up at the ECB. Giving certain data and assurances, he would be granted a Victim.
Anyone who signed up to murder, under the government rules, had to take his turn a few months later as Victim—if he survived.
That, in essence, was the setup. The individual could commit as many murders as he wanted. But between each, he had to be a Victim. If he successfully killed his Hunter, he could stop, or sign up for another murder.
At the end of ten years, an estimated third of the world’s civilized population had applied for at least one murder. The number slid to a fourth, and stayed there.
Philosophers shook their heads, but the practical men were satisfied. War was where it belonged —in the hands of the individual.
Of course, there were ramifications to the game, and elaborations. Once its existence had been accepted it became big business. There were services for Victim and Hunter alike.