The Impact of Video Games on Warfare
In a world where young people increasingly experience war as video games, the influence of these brutal and shocking images on those considering a military career in democratic countries is something to consider. The British Armed Forces’ advertisement for a game in the style of Fortnite reflects not only their search for new skills but also their attempt to capture the attention of a generation that might otherwise not be interested in a military career.
One of the reasons why recruitment videos are inspired by futuristic video games is to attract the attention of a generation that might not otherwise be interested in the military. Young people in the UK may hear about the poor living conditions in the military and their equipment problems. A military career may not seem like the best option for the most talented individuals, who might be more interested in becoming social media influencers or participating in Elon Musk’s plan to colonize another planet.
On the other hand, if you are interested in joining the military, why not experience danger from the safety of your bedroom in the world of Roblox?
In a more complex and multicultural world where young people may have friends and family outside of their own country, an advertising campaign to make a military career more attractive may be necessary. The values and perspectives of today’s teenagers and young adults may differ from those of previous generations.
Another reason for using futuristic video games as a way to capture the attention of this generation of players is the changing nature of war. In the 21st century, we see new tactics where “information warfare” becomes a vital element of conflicts. This is evident in Ukraine and Gaza, where claims and counterarguments are crucial in conducting these conflicts on all sides.
The domains in which conflicts and competition take place are changing. What kind of domains will pose challenges to an eighteen-year-old in 2024 when they occupy higher positions? There is concern that war will soon encompass technologies that are currently only found in science fiction. Future warriors may work with tools and AI-based partners.
Domains such as space will become increasingly crucial in the coming decades. States will face ethical and strategic challenges unlike any before in history. Societies and armies will risk falling into the traps of disinformation in an information-rich battlefield in the digital age.
Military strategists will need to find creative ways to deceive the enemy using digital tools. Deception – and the ability to cause errors on the part of the enemy – have always played a significant role in war, dating back to ancient times, as described by the Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu in the 4th century BCE. The generation raised on complex and innovative games may be ideally prepared for the future’s intricate battlefield.
The use of gaming in the military extends far beyond advertising now. There seems to be a renewed interest among NATO members in exploring the possibilities of using games to train politicians and military commanders for complex conflicts and global challenges. I myself have been involved in developing a tabletop role-playing game inspired by Dungeons and Dragons, which I wrote about in an article.
Gaming appears to attract the attention of nations and organizations as a way to engage with new generations and prepare young people for the complex and uncertain wars of the future. I delve deeper into these issues in my book “Theorizing Future Conflicts: War up to 2049.”
Therefore, this Fortnite-inspired video game advertisement reflects much more than just a new way of campaigning on social media. It shows that the military is seeking new skills adapted to future changes.
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The source of the article is from the blog anexartiti.gr