But no one had ever tried to make a nonviolent modification until a team from the Information Sciences Institute from the University of Southern California came along.
Hannes Hogni Vilhjalmsson, an Icelander working at the institute, has spent the past nine years studying nonverbal communication. His specialty is recreating body language in 3D computer programs.
Vilhjalmsson is helping create a program called the Tactical Language Training System, and one of its first products is known as Tactical Iraqi. Funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Administration, the modified game aims to train U.S. troops how to communicate effectively with Iraqi citizens.
Instead of wielding a bio-sludge gun, Tactical Iraqi players use their verbal skills to negotiate a virtual Baghdad populated with numerous Arabic speakers. Missions range from entering a cafe and locating the owner to securing medical aid for an injured comrade.
Trainees wear microphone headsets, and the game analyzes their pronunciation and inflection. A poor accent and tone will make the locals irate and unwilling to help out. Thanks to Vilhjalmsson, these locals also express their feelings through body language, crossing their arms when upset or placing a hand over their heart as an earnest greeting.
Players must take into account their own body language, as well. Upon entering a building, for example, players must remove their hats or risk offending the patrons.
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