By David Becker, 13 May 2004 08:40
NEWS Beginning the second year of its experiment in using free, custom-built PC games to give young people a taste of military life, the US Army is finding the games to be not only spectacularly popular but a uniquely powerful promotional tool.
And in light of recent revelations about mistreatment of prisoners in Iraq the US Army can use all the positive promotion it can get.
Chris Chambers, deputy director of the 'America's Army' project, said during an interview at the E3 game trading show that prospective soldiers who contact Army recruiters after playing the game have a better follow-through rate than any other form of advertising or promotion.
"It's a much more efficient and effective vehicle for the Army to provide information to young people than the other media we use," Chambers said.
Furthermore, game players may well turn out to be better soldiers, based on recent academic research that shows regular game playing boosts certain visual-spatial abilities. "There's a very high level of visual acuity in game players that's different than non-players," Chambers said. "They're good at focusing on specific things in a chaotic environment, which is an important skill in a lot of Army situations."
The Army launched 'America's Army', a series of PC games depicting realistic modern combat situations, two years ago to overwhelming interest. The game now has 3.3 million registered players, putting it far beyond similar commercial games.
All scenarios in the game are designed to actively reflect real-life tactics, said Christian Buhl, lead programmer for the game. Players who go in with the guns-blazing style typical of commercial war games quickly wash out.
"We conform to the rules of engagement," he said. "If you shoot someone on your side or if you harm a civilian non-combatant, you end up in prison."
David Becker writes for News.com
Comments
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1. anonymous
The army has got it right with AMERICAS ARMY it is a winner for gamers who like it hard. It also teaches patience & vigilance.There are several young 3RAR Parras come to my house to play on line with my ADSL connection.
2. Joe
My brother's mentioned this game, and I think I'm interrested. Haven't tryed it yet, but it seems you need to face a trial game, before you even get an online key. This is a cool idea. No more noobies (or at least less of them).
The part where you get punished for attacking the wrong person is smart, but I hope it's not another 'escort mission' game.
3. George Bush, number 1 worlds terrorist
"All scenarios in the game are designed to actively reflect real-life tactics, said Christian Buhl, lead programmer for the game. Players who go in with the guns-blazing style typical of commercial war games quickly wash out"
So thats why the US had so many casualties in iraq?
"We conform to the rules of engagement," he said. "If you shoot someone on your side or if you harm a civilian non-combatant, you end up in prison."
Again, the US responsible for most friendly fire situations.. how many of there soldiers were arrested or trialed for shooting british troops, the media, aid workers & civilians in iraq and other conflicts.
Also this game cant be that realistic if it doesnt teach players how to abuse hostages
4. zunda fobizshi tamazhu
please i will like to know more about the u s army because i will love so well to apply.I'm a cameroonian by nationality and of i'm 27 years.
So please sir, do reply me let me know what is going on now.thanks