Recreating real-world environments is challenging, costly and dangerous. Utilising games based learning and simulation in the military sector ensures employees are equipped with the vital skills required to deal effectively with a diverse range of scenarios.

UK-based Serious Games International (SGIL) has developed i-Crowd, a crowd management simulation for the police and security services incorporating crowd dynamics to support in the effective dispersal of a crowd.

The challenge is to prevent mass public gatherings escalating into major incidents through the successful training of in crowd management via a dedicated 3D simulator.

SGIL has worked with public order training experts from the Metropolitan Police (London UK) to turn their current training programme into a fully interactive simulator. The i-Crowd platform is designed as a command and control simulator (Gold and Silver commanders) and is delivered on a large multi-touch interactive table. Specifically the simulator uses crowd dynamics which alter the reaction of the crowd depending upon the users input.

The features include: Pre-Deployment planning and briefing; Rapid replication of any worldwide urban area in 3D; Multiple scenarios for training purposes (damage to property, individuals); Crowd communication tools; Location of dispersal routes; Deployment of police assets (horses, dogs, helicopters, armed response); Post event evaluation; Full individual training records; Justification for the deployment of specific assets.

SGIL has also launched Vista, a cutting-edge innovative tactical firearms training solutions for specialist firearms professionals in law enforcement and special operations to train in a variety of virtual scenarios, incorporating single/multiple person tactical assault, decision-making and situational awareness training.

The challenge was to create a cutting-edge, mobile, cost-effective and innovative training solution for the police and military to train in a variety of virtual scenarios, combining marksmanship with situational judgement.

SGIL created a virtual reality head mounted display system combining with sensor technology to replicate any scenario within an immersive training environment. The solution consists of:

Training and de-briefing facility; Briefing tool for training and operational – view layout, floor plan, set call signs – plan operation, lessons learned etc; In-simulation kit – choice of night vision, different firearms as required; Full motion capture analytics to track each user within the simulation; Multiple scenarios (boat, high rise building) complete with hostage situation assault IED, key target search, terrorist attack; Multiple environmental options (night, day, smoke, noise); Use of trigger sensor on real weapons, deactivated or replica as required; Decision-making in simulation (judgement testing for taking a shot in a critical situation) thought process in a very complex and stressful situation. “Shoot or No Shoot” – ability to de-escalate a situation by not shooting.