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First-Person Shooter Modified For Fire Drill Simulation
Hugh Pickens writes "Researchers at Durham University have modified a video game and turned it into a fire drill simulator using the Source engine (the 3D game engine used to drive Half-Life 2), and created a virtual model of one of the university's departments. Dr. Shamus Smith said that although 3D modeling software was available, modifying a video game was faster, more cost effective, and had better special effects. 'We were interested in using game technology over a customized application and the Source Engine, from Half-Life, is very versatile,' said Smith. 'We used the simulation to see how people behaved in an actual fire situation and to train people in "good practice" in a fire.' The team says the virtual environment helped familiarize people with evacuation routines and could also help identify problems with a building's layout. One problem, however, was that while the simulation worked for most people, those who played a lot of video games did some unusual things when using the simulation. 'If a door was on fire, [the gamers] would try and run through it, rather than look for a different exit,' said Smith."
This makes me wonder to what extent entertainment software will fill the role of non-entertainment software as the tools and engines become more and more powerful. Ars mentions related news that the US Dept. of Naval Research is dumping millions of dollars into "virtual reality-like simulations of small-scale urban conflicts." It's unclear whether this is related to the US Army's similar program.
'If a door was on fire, [the gamers] would try and run through it, rather than look for a different exit,' said Smith."
You need the firesuit mod for that perk.
The opposite of progress is congress
Don't worry, someone will certainly use the map for CS.
Hmmm. Just imagine the look on your coworkers' face when you whip out an AK-47 when you hear a fire alarm.
I'm pretty sure I'd also run through the fire, at least a few times or until video-game-death, just to see what happens..
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does diviant behaviour include looting the corpses of my co-workers in between running up to all the walls looking for the secret doors?
US Dept. of Naval Research is dumping millions of dollars into "virtual reality-like simulations of small-scale urban conflicts."
Mainly they've found they can't fit a battleship down small side streets...
----------------------------------- My Other Sig Is Hilarious -----------------------------------
does the FPS trained soldier just run into middle screaming LEEEEEEROY JENKINSSSSSS!!!!!!! ?
I can believe that, though he should really have been driving so as not to be that close in the first place. I rode horses most of my life, and when I came to learn to drive I found it very unsettling indeed not to have the ability to push the car sideways with my leg. Also, driving without wearing a helmet of some kind made me feel kinda naked.
Um, you can wear a helmet in a car if you really want to.
> First-Person Shooter Modified For Fire Drill Simulation
Fire Chief: Look at all these dead bodies. >:( You guys are in a lot of trouble!
Building Owner: Well, our simulation analysis showed you could easily escape by just rocket jumping out the window...
(-1: Post disagrees with my already-settled worldview) is not a valid mod option.
"It's not the drill procedure itself that's so terrible, once people are moving, they will continue following whoever's in front of them. It's getting them to start moving that's the hard part."
I am on the emergence response team, so when the bell goes off Scream "Oh dear God!", jump up, and run screaming to the exit.
I use to just fire a few round in the air to get people moving, but the 7th story start complain about bullet holes in their floor...whiners.
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