U.S. Army Coming to Blue Mars?
// October 8th, 2009 // Rumors
It’s looking like the United States Army could be coming to Blue Mars. They’re currently running a challenge to anyone who can develop a virtual world where the Army could train and collaborate. The only requirements for the submissions is that there be no modifications made to the client or server software, not something that is currently being worked on on behalf of the federal government, and that any world may be used as long as it’s free and open, and that you’re over 18 (unless you’ve obtained written permission from parents). Submissions must be entered no later than November 15, 2009.
For submitters, it’s exciting to see that there will be no cap on submissions or filtering methods used, so you’re guaranteed a review by the judges, as well as a chance at a public evaluation. The evaluation period is scheduled to run from December through January, with the top submission being available in February for the public to evaluate. Also, they seem interested in developers creating spaces for the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Human Services, and NASA.
Though NASA and the Army already have a presence in Second Life, it seems they are dissatisfied with what they’ve found there, and are probably somewhat limited to what they can do. Pixels and Policy has an interesting article here about this whole issue.
We know that the US Army’s involvement in things can upset some people, but think that this is a sign that Blue Mars is as viable a platform as is promised. As always, your comments on this topic are greatly appreciated.
7 Responses to “U.S. Army Coming to Blue Mars?”
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Although Blue Mars is a competent enough platform for this, i think if they were to use the platform it should be hidden so that no one knows they are there, cause god knows i dont want to see the US Army everyday when Im looking for cities to go to >__>
While I agree that having military people all over the place could be an unsettling experience for some, it would help Blue Mars on a bigger scope by giving it more credibility as a platform and some big press.
Haven’t they invaded enough places already?
US Army Nein Danke!
Romsey, the army is quite over extended, true. You have to take into consideration though that things that the military invest in tend to stick around and become important aspects of everyday life.
So while it may be disagreeable to have them in Blue Mars, it would probably help more indirectly than hurt (unless they start a war against Gridrock City).
As someone who quickly grew tired of Second Life’s community of furries, queers, emo-centrics, bdsm, prostitution, degenerate pubescent griefers, and other odd ball focused deviant behavior, I for one, welcome the military to blue mars.
With blue mars’s stance towards professionalism in conjunction with entities possessing a rigid and disciplined structure such as the military, maybe we’ll actually see some real men who can serve as role models.
Patriot,
It seems you had a lot to get off your chest! With the way the Blue Mars Cities will be set up, certain objects and such can be prohibited from being used or seen, provided the city owner has set these restrictions up. From what I’ve been hearing, there will be a number of cities that will bar paraphernalia that you’re opposed to, so I’m sure you’ll be able to find a haven from Second Life.
what happened to that “America’s Army” game?