Overwatch: adding FPS videogame aesthetics to real-world gamers (via Overwatch)
Gamers have been hardcore FPS (First Person Shooter) players since id Software’s Wolfenstein 3D hit PCs back in 1992. Since that time FPS games have evolved into fast-paced frag-fests using real world weapons with realistic battlefields. Some of those games even allow for a virtual commander who can use perks to help his players gain an edge over the enemy, including using UAVs to spot the enemy, calling in air strikes and air dropping med kits and ammo. Keeping that in mind, some of those hardcore gamers are also heavily into playing paintball and MilSim (or airsoft), which pits players against one another in a military-like setting. Players routinely use paintball markers and air-powered weapons (rifles and pistols) that are based on real firearms along with military gear to make it as realistic as possible. For those who love both FPS games and paintball/MilSim will be able to play both at the same time, thanks to the ‘Overwatch’, which merges both together. Designed by Josh Moody and his team, the Overwatch app provides a tactical overview map of the battlefield players are on, much like the map found in most FPS games. The app provides users with RADAR of sorts that gives the location of both friendly and hostile players along with the ability to voice chat with one another. It also provides the ability for a commander to issue commands to their team remotely and provide the players with certain ‘perks’ that give teams advantages, such as RADAR scrambling.
Overwatch works by using either Android or iPhones Wi-Fi/3G/4G/LTE connection to transmit and stream GPS data to the players on the field in near real-time. Instead of using a Bluetooth connection, players communicate using the aforementioned connection options, thereby allowing them to talk over long distances using multiple devices. It also allows players to use different operating systems while playing, instead of being all Android or iPhone-based smartphones (sorry no Blackberry or Windows phones at this time). That being said, Bluetooth comms devices can still be used to connect to the phone to facilitate communication. Overwatch isn’t only an app but a mounting device as well, allowing players to clamp their phones to a weapon using a picatiny railing system or a personal armband mount for quick referencing (most SOF use armband map holders for quick location reference). While the Overwatch app sounds like great solution to playing FPS games in real-life, it does have its issues. Smartphone breakage being the main issue, as impacts do damage to them even in the most mundane environments. Another being that all players need to be connected to use the app, otherwise they can’t be seen (perhaps a mini UAV could help?). Chances are there will be server lag, constant drops and interference depending on the location, anything outside a city will undoubtedly become an issue. Still, Overwatch is an interesting concept and will be available soon for those who want to live in both the virtual and real worlds.
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