Bohemia's VBS2 Featured In Netherlands Army Opening Day

Developer Bohemia Interactive, recognized in gaming circles for its Operation Flashpoint series of titles, have announced that the Koninklijke Landmacht (the Royal Netherlands Army) recently held an opening day event for the general public, during which Bohemia's Virtual Battlespace 2 (VBS2) training software has prominently featured. Held over three days, the RNLA open day hosted over 90 thousand visitors touring the facility and taking part in numerous activities such as experiencing infantry based simulation actions with VBS2. The event also featured presentations by all units and branches of the Army, including demonstrations of 'combat' actions using tanks, helicopters and fighting infantry-men. In addition, those in attendance were able to participate in an obstacle course, and had the opportunity to throw exercise grenades, fire virtual weapons in a small-arms simulator, and climb and abseil from a climbing tower and experiencing infantry based simulation actions with VBS2. According to Bohemia, the inclusion of VBS2 in the RNLA’s public open day highlights the importance of this simulator in the Army's overall defense strategy. The firm adds that this also proves VBS2's possible use as a recruiting tool for the armed forces “due to the immediate association with internet “gaming” by the younger visitors.” This sort of application would not be unheard of, given the U.S. Army's success using the popular online combat game America's Army, which was originally developed as a recruiting tool but has gone on to inspire a significant following among the gaming community. “Over 1,500 visitors were actively involved in some 5 x 5 VBS2 simulation scenario engagements, with probably twice that number watching the action as spectators,” stated event organizer, Captain Clemens Roos.