The Pentagon needs 21st-century analytical tools to replace the outmoded war games of yore, which, despite improvements in computer power, are still one-dimensional, culturally blinkered and of small use in devising strategies for asymmetric warfare. So it has earmarked over $100 million to determine whether the agent-based models used in commercial role playing games can advance the strategic game.
Virtual reality, that computer-driven replacement for the here and now, may offer a versatile proving ground for police officers and emergency crews training to respond to future terrorist attacks.
Sandia National Laboratories has created a new "Simcity-like" war game that will help train public officials on how to detect and respond to terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction.