Interesting. I have to tell you, I am seeing contractors and soldiers play the crap out of these first person shooter games. Eventually you will see a company like Blackwater or similar develop a simulation game that will present PSD, Convoy, or Static Security scenarios in complex arenas. I could envision a game that could be modified by the players or companies and different rules of engagement, SOFA’s, rules for the use of force, codes of conduct, UCMJ, SOP’s, etc. could be added. Even equipment and vehicles could be changed to match what the company uses. The goal is to use this type of contractor gaming platform to condition the brains of the players with some of the scenarios they need to think about and negotiate in the real world of war zone contracting.
If you notice some of the finalists of the contest over the last couple years, you will see some familiar company names that have been involved. I especially perked up when I saw SAIC as one of the participants. So is a PMC or PSC going to introduce a serious game in the near future, or will the only security contractor based games we will see are blood fest games like Army of Two? Who knows, but just so companies know, there is a market for such a thing. Especially if companies are looking at ways to minimize liability and maximize training of it’s contractors and employees. I could even see maritime security based games pop up, and all of this stuff could be used to train up folks and promote what companies are doing out there. –Matt
—————————————————————–
Welcome to the official website of theFourth Annual I/ITSEC Serious Games Showcase & Challenge.
Serious Games for Serious TrainingThe goal of Serious Games Showcase & Challenge is to identify innovative game-based technologies and solutions that improve training across all segments for individuals, groups and systems.
Get Serious, Get Recognized!Submit your original serious games entry and have your work reviewed by a panel of military, academia and industry gaming experts. Finalists will be showcased, and winners announced, at I/ITSEC 2009 in Orlando, Florida.
The Serious Games Showcase & Challenge12 Finalist Announced Click Here.
No limits!Whether you’re an individual, small business or big business – the Serious Games Showcase and Challenge is open to you! Submissions can be targeted to training in any segment, including education, corporate, or military.
If game development is your past-time (indie game developer), your intended field, or your current business… If you can “mod” a game into a training solution, or program one from scratch…consider how you would use your skills to develop a serious game solution to enhance training.