[Triad773]

I like to try and experience history on a more tangible level. I am a history buff and have come to appreciate what simulations can teach those who are interested in digging deeper.

I had JUST posted this yesterday on my humble forum:

Please keep in mind that it is originally published for those who are not familiar with these aspects of simulation.

Some might call them 'video games,' but programs written for the computer to immerse the user in historical events, using data from machines that are to be 'acted out' go a long way toward experiencing on some level, real situations past. Or, more concisely by interacting with known facts (maximum speed of a given object, weight, mass, etc.,) the user experiences similar predicaments to what historical figures may have experienced.

But with the specialized requirements of today's high-end gaming PC, to make simulation programs run well requires a robust computer that need not only advanced video cards and memory, and sometimes specialized peripherals. Flight and driving simulators require a wheel or joystick, and foot pedals. Communities of enthusiasts have sprung up around the globe who share their passions with others via web-based forums on the internet. These 'virtual communities' serve a purpose that may be lacking in many individual's lives. This is by no means a put down, but a recognition of the often alienating nature that life can take on. Some with perhaps erratic schedules, lack of funds for going out more, or just finding it easier to discuss their favourite pastime with an individual from Finland than finding someone who shares their interests locally. With these facts in mind, I feel it is pretty difficult to find any fault for individuals who choose to use a portion of their off-time with computers than local people- though finding locals who share your passions can be harder, it would be preferable. Beyond that, the enrichment that comes from engaging in a good computer simulation is rewarding from the small historical facets you find. If you want the basic facts, it's easy enough to read about the subject: but to experience on some level what a famous (or obscure) historical person faced gives insight to the surrounding circumstances.

As far as programs written for gaming consoles (X-Box, PS-3,) there is the capacity for good graphics and peripherals to enhance the experience, they lack the scalability and upgrade potential that computers (and in particular, desktop computers- not so much laptops) offer. The particular PC-based simulation market I am familiar with is that of 20 to 60 year olds with some disposable income that they spend on computers and peripherals. I observed a couple of polls on a web forum that asked what the ages were of its members. This was a fairly popular forum with participants from all over the world. My sampling of the poll showed a bell curve whose peak was 40-50 year olds. These are often considered potentially hard-core 'simmers.' They tend to have and spend more money on equipment to play a simulation than the average computer user. This market, being definitely a 'niche' market has only a limited general appeal. To simulation developers, this means that they often have to strike a balance between playability and accuracy. Going too much one way will make their user base unhappy, while making it too daunting turn away more casual players. As software companies strive to make money for their shareholders, the motivation to make console games by selling more volume instead of having a core of long-term users is very attractive. Thus there is the possibility that over time console games will replace computer-based simulation programs.

Simulation has been around before the popularity of personal computers. Before the PC, there was Risk, Stratego, Battleship, Gettysburg, and many other board games by a variety of publishers. The PC has nearly eliminated that market by now. But there are some common elements: a well developed simulation, or war game, or other historical game should basically steer the user towards repeating history, but not force them to. There should be some possible alternative outcome, otherwise why waste your time? To this end, a number of simulations I am into mirror this ethos.

Bringing simulation more into the 'real world,' consider what the pilot of those remote-control unmanned aircraft the US is using: what do you think that pilot is looking at as he sits in a comfortable chair in some air conditioned facility with a set of controls and a few computer screens in front of him? Then switch to the enthusiast sitting in his (or her) bedroom or basement playing a flight simulation. There is less difference as time goes on. Certainly the unmanned aircraft pilot has more telemetry giving him (or her) real-time data that has not only more real, but of more immediate importance. Crash that expensive bird, and it's game over. No reset button on that aircraft!

As a potential recruiting tool, the US Army in conjunction with commercial software developers have developed first-person shooter type games that they are evidently hoping to get some young people interested in joining up. They have even gone so far as to schedule matches with teenagers and people who are Army personnel. I think that is a mis-use of the medium myself. But then I am not into first person shooters either.

So as you look around the forums here, you will see a variety of information that is scattered about under different threads and categories. You may see a review and screen shots of a simulator in this thread, a video that I or others made in another thread, historical elements explored, or enhanced screen shots in yet another. To bring the point full circle then: if they are just video games, then why is it they have the capacity to engage, entertain and demonstrate elements of history all at the same time? The value comes not from participating in some virtual sense, but what is done with the experience. If it inspires further reading on more granular historical subjects, then its value is inherent. I believe computer simulations transcend their medium on some level.

I hope that you have found this article thoughtful, if not illuminating as to why someone would be interested in sitting in front of a computer once they got home after a day job where they, sat in front of a computer all day (likely doing something rather uninteresting).


I am quite sure that is probably too much info, but it's from the gut- the way I feel about the topic.

See http://triad773.com/forum/index.php?topic=74.0 for original post.

PS- I have already learnt a TON from SHIV. Looking forward to more.

Cheers

Triad