The Great Games are a series of deadly arena combats held by the Green Martian tribes for the purpose of entertainment, much like the gladiatorial games of Earth. The games are typically held in large amphitheaters over a span of ten days and involve prisoners forced to battle other prisoners or captive wild beasts. At the end of each day, the last remaining survivor of the contests for that day is set free, whether man or animal.
In A Princess of Mars, John Carter met his friend Kantos Kan for the first time while they were captives of the Green Martian Warhoons. They were forced to fight each other in the games, but Kantos Kan earned his freedom by pretending to kill Carter who later managed to escape.