'Start Thinking Soldier' Campaign Links Real Life to the Web
Tisah Tucknott — June 4, 2009 — Pop Culture
References: armyjobs.mod.uk & digitalbuzzblog
The British Army & Publicis London have created a campaign called “Start Thinking Soldier” that has ultimately bridged reality with online gaming.
The campaign provides a virtual game that allows its players to experience real decision-making times during war. “Start Thinking Soldier” takes you on special missions that test your level of teamwork, decision making, leadership, and fitness.
Implications - Video games were once considered to be toy-like mediums for mindless entertainment. More and more, however, video game makers are creating games that can tie in a consumer to reality; such a direction presents incredible opportunity to enhance the methods of everything from education to advertising, as it allows the player to be completely immersed, and therefore fully engaged, in the game's ideas and messaging.
The campaign provides a virtual game that allows its players to experience real decision-making times during war. “Start Thinking Soldier” takes you on special missions that test your level of teamwork, decision making, leadership, and fitness.
Implications - Video games were once considered to be toy-like mediums for mindless entertainment. More and more, however, video game makers are creating games that can tie in a consumer to reality; such a direction presents incredible opportunity to enhance the methods of everything from education to advertising, as it allows the player to be completely immersed, and therefore fully engaged, in the game's ideas and messaging.
Trend Themes
1. Reality Gaming - Incorporate elements of reality into gaming to enhance engagement and make experiences more meaningful.
2. Virtual Decision-making Simulations - Develop virtual simulations that allow users to experience real-life decision-making scenarios.
3. Gamification of Training - Apply gamification techniques to training initiatives for more effective learning and engagement.
Industry Implications
1. Military - Use virtual reality to train soldiers and improve their decision-making abilities in real-life situations.
2. Education - Incorporate virtual reality simulations into educational programs to enhance experiential learning.
3. Advertising - Utilize immersive gaming experiences to create engaging and memorable advertisements.
1.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
