Dstl has worked with partners from the computer games industry to
develop a new generation of tools that are helping military
leaders make effective decisions.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) utilises
the creative talents of the gaming industry to reinforce
strategic and high-level decision-making by defence leaders.
Dstl and
Slitherine (a computer games company) have developed a new
generation of professional wargames. They provide military
leaders with better tools to make effective decisions, which help
make the UK safer and more prosperous.
These wargames aim to:
- inform the military's force structure
- assess capability
- support operational and contingency planning
Commercial games provide a better user experience compared with
traditional analytical tools. These tools can require significant
experience to operate being mainly focused on the algorithms over
usability and engagement.
This novel approach has generated a 50% reduction in analysis
time and costs. It has successfully been used to support military
contingency planning, help wargame the British Army's structure,
as well as to analyse the potential of remote and autonomous
systems and other novel technologies.
Slitherine/Matrix Pro Simulations, a UK-headquartered small and
medium-sized enterprise based in Epsom, Surrey, has grown from 25
to 96 staff since its partnership with Dstl starting
in 2019. Its 300 recreational products include huge maps of
simulated battlefield areas and modelling of modern and historic
combat operations, vehicles and weapons.
Dstl has also
worked with Slitherine to boost representation of ethnic
and cultural diversity in its games to reflect not only the
changing face of the defence workforce but of society at home and
abroad.
Find out more about how we are strengthening Defence
through wargaming, and about Dstl and
our work within UK defence and security.
