The MMOWGLI Game Lets You Help the U.S. Navy Fight Pirates
Michael Hines — May 14, 2011 — Tech
References: mmowgli.nps.edu & fastcompany
The U.S. Navy is reaching out to the general public in an attempt to combat piracy with the MMOWGLI game. MMOWGLI stands for Massive Multiplayer Online WarGame Leveraging the Internet which is quite a mouthful to say (even in acronym form).
The MMOWGLI game will be open to 1,000 players who will be tasked with being either pirates or the members of an anti-pirate squad. Players get to mico-manage their trips around pirate-filled waters deciding what routes to take and how to arm ships. Of course, pirate attacks will happen, and once they do the game gives shippers the ability to design their own rescue plan. I for one find it refreshing that the Navy is crowdsourcing ideas for how to deal with pirates. It shows an openness to new technology and tactics, an openness which will hopefully pay off in the form of less ships hijacked.
The MMOWGLI game will be open to 1,000 players who will be tasked with being either pirates or the members of an anti-pirate squad. Players get to mico-manage their trips around pirate-filled waters deciding what routes to take and how to arm ships. Of course, pirate attacks will happen, and once they do the game gives shippers the ability to design their own rescue plan. I for one find it refreshing that the Navy is crowdsourcing ideas for how to deal with pirates. It shows an openness to new technology and tactics, an openness which will hopefully pay off in the form of less ships hijacked.
Trend Themes
1. Crowdsourcing for Defense - The use of crowdsourcing in defense strategies presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in combatting piracy.
2. Interactive Web Games - The rise of interactive web games like MMOWGLI opens up possibilities for immersive training experiences and problem-solving simulations.
3. Technology-driven Naval Strategies - The integration of technology in naval strategies, showcased by the MMOWGLI game, can lead to innovative approaches in combating piracy.
Industry Implications
1. Defense and Security - The defense and security industry can leverage crowdsourcing and technology to develop effective strategies against piracy.
2. Gaming and Entertainment - The gaming and entertainment industry can explore new opportunities in creating interactive web games for educational and training purposes.
3. Maritime and Shipping - The maritime and shipping industry can benefit from technology-driven solutions and improved anti-piracy protocols derived from MMOWGLI and similar initiatives.
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