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Did the US Army Make a Video Game?

Published in Military Video Games 2 mins read

Yes, the U.S. Army did develop and publish a series of video games.

The most notable creation by the U.S. Army in the realm of video games is the America's Army series. This initiative was part of a strategic effort to leverage interactive media for specific military objectives.

About America's Army

America's Army was much more than just an entertainment product; it served as a unique tool for the military.

Key aspects of the America's Army series include:

  • Genre: It was a series of first-person shooter video games, allowing players to experience virtual military scenarios from a soldier's perspective.
  • Development and Publication: Uniquely, the entire series was developed and published directly by the U.S. Army itself, distinguishing it from games developed by private studios based on military themes.
  • Primary Purpose: The overarching goal behind America's Army was multifaceted:
    • Inform: To provide a realistic (though simulated) look at Army life and operations.
    • Educate: To teach players about Army values, training, and the roles of soldiers.
    • Recruit: To attract and engage prospective soldiers by offering an immersive, interactive experience that could pique interest in military service.

The game provided an accessible platform for the public to engage with military concepts and roles, serving as a non-traditional method of public outreach and recruitment.

Key Details of the Game Series

For clarity, here's a summary of the America's Army video game series:

Aspect Detail
Name America's Army (a series of titles)
Type Video Game Series
Genre First-Person Shooter (FPS)
Creator U.S. Army
Purpose Inform, educate, and recruit prospective soldiers

Through America's Army, the U.S. Army directly ventured into video game development, making it a unique case of a government entity creating interactive digital media for public engagement and strategic goals.