US Army to invest $50m in video games

The US Army is to spend $50 million (£33 million) on video game training software from 2010, reports Stars And Stripes.

The money will be distributed over five years and will allow the Army to identify suitable technology within the gaming industry that can be used for training purposes.

In addition to the $50 million, the Army will also invest an undisclosed amount in a commercial video game system that will be used to create its new training title Game After Ambush.

The US Army already uses FPS title DARWARS Ambush to train soldiers, but wants its new game to include increased numbers on screen, playback facilities and greater editing capabilities.

"One of the major events for training is to be able to capture all these events, good or bad, throughout the entire scenario," said Col. Mark McManigal, capabilities manger for gaming under the Army's Training and Doctrine Command.