Low-Cost PC Gaming and Simulation Research: Doctrinal Survey
Abstract
The U.S. Army Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM) established a program investigating novel techniques for low-cost/complexity training devices. The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences contributed to this program by supporting the investigation of doctrinal issues in low-cost personal computer (PC) gaming. The Institute for Simulation and Training at the University of Central Florida developed an approach for defining game parameters and surveying subject matter experts (SMEs) on doctrinal correctness of game experiences. Doctrinal correctness combines and interacts with cognitive skills and decision-making skills gains in complex ways that make the selection of games for reinforcing training through training a complicated trade-off. Based on prior work, PC games were selected for Infantry and Armor tasks and evaluated for application and doctrinal correctness. The evaluations for the Infantry aspects of Rogue Spear: Covert Ops(TM) indicated that the game could be used for tactical movement, tactical scenario, and room clearing exercises. The evaluation of Steel Beasts(TM) were positive in terms of gunnery elements, but there were sufficient doctrinal errors that the overall game was judged to not be useful. The results of this and other efforts indicate the potential usefulness of commercially available off the shelf PC games, although further studies are needed in order to establish guidelines and characteristics for integrating selected aspects of games into ongoing instructional approaches.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA408645
Entities
People
- Bruce Knerr
- Christina S. Morris
- Michael J. Singer
- Ronald W. Tarr
Organizations
- University of Central Florida