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The Future of Military Simulations
by Len "Viking1" Hjalmarson

First, it neglects the reality that while modern jet simulations are complex, combat prop simulations are not. Second, it neglects the ability of simulation designers to negate the complexity of modern jets by modeling the newer and more streamlined systems, like that in the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Third, it neglects the trend toward cross genre designs, such as Total Air War, Battle of Britain, and B17 Flying Fortress. Total Air War, DiD’s award winning simulation of the F22, gave players both the first and third person perspective of the war, broadening the appeal of the game. Rowan’s coming Battle of Britain will take this approach to its logical conclusion, combining a fully fledged strategy game with a 3D combat flight simulation.

Meanwhile Wayward Design’s B17 Flying Fortress blurs the genres even further, combining elements of strategy and role play with a detailed combat flight simulation. Full motion animation draws the player into the events that unfold around him. A virtual crew heightens the drama. And while the simulation is complex at the level of the pilot, it is as simple as child’s play at the level of the gunners. Players can have it their way.

B17 Flying Fortress

Furthermore, the Editors of Gamecenter neglect the ace-in-the-hole for the combat simulation genre: the inevitable migration simulation fans make from simpler sim titles to more serious sim titles. As new sim players gain experience they develop a taste for higher levels of challenge. The contribution of Microsoft’s combat simulators may be the greatest here, introducing a whole generation of civil aviation fans to the combat side of the sport. Similarly, as the fans of the action oriented simulations mature, they too gravitate toward more challenging titles. There are at least two reasons for this.

First, the Internet itself is a factor in the increasing percentage of sim fans who are moving from the shallow end to the deep end. Inevitably, novice sim fans are impressed by the knowledge level and credentials of the more serious crowd. And the arguments made by the serious crowd on the increased return in fun factor for the increased investment in time and energy are convincing. It simply is more rewarding to fly in a more challenging environment, and level of challenge is directly related to realism.

Second, the move to more serious simulations is facilitated by the familiarity of certain titles. This is most noticeable with Microsoft’s Flight Simulator franchise. Most of the sales of Microsoft’s first Combat Flight Simulator were to those who already owned the civilian simulator. But it’s a good bet that the Microsoft faithful who bought Combat Flight Simulator and enjoyed it will eventually try other brands.

 

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