Military video games have grown in popularity, offering players immersive experiences that often feel remarkably authentic. A significant factor contributing to this realism is the involvement of veterans and military advisers who have transitioned from service to the gaming industry. Their insights shape the portrayal of combat, tactics, and the emotional weight of military experiences in games like Call of Duty, Medal of Honor, and Ghost Recon: Breakpoint.
These veterans bring firsthand knowledge and expertise, ensuring that digital firefights resonate with authenticity. By integrating real-life experiences into gameplay, they help create a more genuine portrayal of military operations, enhancing player engagement and understanding.
Real Soldiers Bring Authenticity to Gaming
One of the key figures in this effort is James D. Dever, a retired Marine Corps sergeant major and former Recon Marine. Dever, who served nearly three decades in the military, established 1 Force Inc., a consulting company focused on military advisory for entertainment. He contributed as a military technical adviser for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, where he played a pivotal role in the game’s realistic portrayal of military operations.
Dever’s expertise ensured that the game’s depiction of squad movements, communication protocols, and reactions under fire reflected real-life military practices. His attention to detail helped create missions that felt more like genuine combat experiences rather than cinematic fantasies. This focus on authenticity has influenced a generation of military shooters, setting a standard for realism in the genre.
Another influential veteran is Dale Dye, a retired Marine captain known for his work in Hollywood as a military consultant. Dye has helped shape the portrayal of troops in films such as Platoon and Saving Private Ryan, and he was the military adviser for the original Medal of Honor franchise. His work laid the groundwork for the tactical and emotional framework many military games follow today.
Dye’s collaboration with Steven Spielberg and his team emphasized authentic squad tactics and the psychological impact of warfare, creating a template that was later adopted by franchises like Call of Duty and Battlefield.
Veterans’ Influence Extends to Game Development
As the gaming industry evolves, veterans are also stepping into creative roles. Emil Daubon, a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, transitioned to writing and military advising for Ubisoft‘s Ghost Recon: Breakpoint. His focus on storytelling captures the complexities of modern warfare, illustrating the moral dilemmas and psychological challenges faced by soldiers. Daubon’s contributions ensure that the narrative reflects not only the action but also the emotional toll of military conflict.
In stark contrast to conventional depictions of soldiers as invincible heroes, Daubon’s work presents characters who grapple with exhaustion, trauma, and ethical ambiguity. This more nuanced portrayal resonates with players, fostering a deeper understanding of the realities of combat.
The U.S. Army has even ventured into game development itself. In the late 1990s, Col. Casey Wardynski proposed creating America’s Army, a free PC game launched in 2002. Wardynski aimed to provide an engaging and informative experience that would showcase Army values to a generation more familiar with gaming than traditional recruiting methods.
America’s Army required players to undergo basic training and adhere strictly to rules of engagement, blurring the lines between entertainment and recruitment. This innovative approach offered a glimpse into Army culture while promoting teamwork and discipline.
The impact of veterans in the gaming industry underscores a growing recognition of their unique insights. Many veterans now find opportunities as technical advisers, writers, and consultants, influencing how war stories are told in interactive media.
For players, understanding the role of these veterans enhances the gaming experience. The authenticity brought by military advisers like Dever, Dye, and Daubon translates into gameplay that feels grounded in reality. Their experiences inform the tactical decisions, emotional narratives, and moral complexities that characterize modern military games.
As players engage in firefights in Call of Duty or navigate the challenges in Ghost Recon, they do so with the knowledge that real veterans have shaped those experiences. This connection serves as a reminder that the skills and stories of military service can extend far beyond the battlefield, finding new life in the realm of virtual combat.
