Takes Prototype Testing in a New Direction
The world is moving into the future, and the U.S. Army is on the cutting edge of that transition. In this modern world of unmanned aircraft, virtual reality and self-sustaining diagnostics, the practical implementations of new technologies have already begun to change our world – and our military – for the better. A fine example of one such modern technology is Operation Overmatch. Designed to provide a safer environment for U.S. Soldiers to test new equipment, techniques and strategies, Operation Overmatch offers the benefits of in-field testing, but in a low-risk, low-cost environment.
The video games of 2018 are a far cry from the pixelated screens of the past. Gaming is now a valuable medium for both creators and consumers to test the limits of their imaginations. From the high-definition graphics of the stereotypical video game console, to the next-level immersion of virtual reality gaming, video games are no longer just a form of entertainment. Gaming is now a way for companies to train employees, and for educators to teach children.
Operation Overmatch is an embodiment of this vanguard application of video games. It is a video game, but that label alone is somewhat reductive. It is more than a game – it is a tool.
Developed by the U.S. Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC) and the Army Game Studio, the Overmatch gaming system uses Early Synthetic Prototyping (ESP) – the process of utilizing game environments to gauge new designs and concepts early in the acquisition cycle. Overmatch could be used to test anything from vehicles, to equipment, to mission strategies.
From a safety standpoint, testing in a gaming environment is a vast improvement over in-the-field testing sessions. While uncommon, testing casualties sometimes occur. By testing in the Operation Overmatch environment, Soldiers are safer than ever before, and preventable casualties are avoided entirely. Since safety is not a concern, players have the opportunity to take in-game risks, and experiment with new techniques and approaches that they may not otherwise be willing – or allowed – to take.
