A Distributed Game-Based Simulation Training Research Testbed

[This paper is a companion piece for a presentation to be given as part of a panel discussion on the topic “Leveraging Virtual Reality and Computer-Based Games for Training”]. Our paper describes: the establishment of a testbed to support behavioral research on training applications of online distributed multiplayer gaming systems, several of the initial experiments conducted with the testbed, and some lesson learned. The testbed is itself geographically distributed with military, government, industry, and academia participants. We describe the behavioral research objectives and the technological challenges encountered in adapting commercial off-the-shelf gaming systems for training research use. Our focus is on the performance feedback process within the overall context of using gaming systems for distributed training. Research areas addressed include: factors general to training small teams such as law enforcement, urban search and rescue, or first responder personnel; and specific aspects of kinetic and non-kinetic dismounted infantry operations. Lessons learned involve: voice communications, Internet firewalls and quality of service, and “modeling mania”.