ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews how the military, scientific, and educational communities have used the technology—from training and simulation programs to advancements in science and education. Military and law enforcement officials are now utilizing computer programs in capacities from training simulators for combat and rescue operations. Scientists are using the technology for studies on motor skills, stress relief, and social development. Educators are now exploring virtual learning as a safe place for students to develop perceptual, attentional, and cognitive abilities—and the number of colleges and universities offering degrees in and related to game development continues to grow. The military commonly refers to the war games they use as military exercises. One of the earliest attempts to create a military training simulator based on a popular video game was derived from Atari’s first-person tank combat arcade hit Battlezone in 1980.
