Media

A collection of development resources, showcasing videos, images, and playthroughs of the simulations & games, including research publications.

Peacekeeping Simulations (PKS1)

Overview

PKS1: Investigating Atrocities Alpha - Prototype Playthrough

 

Step into the shoes of a UNMO Team Leader in this immersive simulation that mirrors the complexities of an ongoing armed conflict. Inspired by the United Nations Military Observer (UNMO) training materials, this scenario centers around a border village called Bokso, once known for its vibrant multi-ethnic community now struggling with regular incidents of conflict.

Recently, a tragic event has shaken Bokso to its core. Arson, the killing of local guards, the slaughter of livestock, and the harrowing abduction of civilians, including minors, have left the village in turmoil.

Your Mission

 

1. Investigate the troubling reports of missing persons and unidentified bodies within Bokso village.

2. Accurately report your findings to the Chief Military Observer.

As you navigate this delicate task, you will encounter challenges, including a checkpoint on a bridge. Remember to heed UN security updates and approach interactions with villagers using caution. Uphold the peacekeeping principle of impartiality in all inquiries. Player proficiency will be assessed based on the execution of fundamental field interactions, including basic investigation and verification techniques, adeptness in building constructive liaisons with local communities, skill in negotiating and mediating potentially sensitive situations, and (eventually) the ability to effectively utilize language assistants for clear communication.

Testing

 

Versions of the simulation were played by military officers and civilians in graduate courses in Canada since 2021 at:

Canadian Forces College (CFC)

Collège Militaire Royale St Jean (CMR St Jean)

Royal Military College (RMC)

Testing was also completed internationally at:

Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre (BPOTC)

Bangladesh International Peace Operations Training Centre (BIPSOT)

Kenya’s International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC)

Korea National Defence University (KNDU) – PKO center

National Peace Operations Training School of Uruguay (ENOPU).

PKG1: Demining - Prototype Development

 

Mission objectives and tasks for the peacekeeping games (PKG) will include real-world peacekeeping fundamentals, blending gameplay elements to create an engaging learning experience. Immersive gameplay mechanics and cinematic storytelling will be utilized to connect the user to the world of peacekeeping. Users will strategize team deployment tactics, communication tools, equipment, vehicles, and the technology required for mission deployment. User performance metrics are measured in various skill-level settings to include accuracy, success rate and completion time.

PKG1 (Demining) will offer the player fun gameplay through rescuing civilians, trying the various techniques in landmines clearance while also protecting the avatar from mine explosions.

 

Your Mission

 

The core mission game loop in PKG1 (Demining) is planning, exploration, and mine clearance/desposal. Mission objective(s) are measured by success rate and completion time, i.e., against the time required to complete and/or fail before a civilian dies from bleeding. The game loop will randomize objective locations and mine placement. Randomization, objective and time completion measurables will encourage replayability in edutainment and/or academic use cases.

 

Testing

 

Versions of the game and prototype testing is played by military officers and civilians in graduate courses in Canada since 2025 at:

Canadian Forces College (CFC)

George Brown College

Humber College

PKS: Climate Affected Conflict - Prototype

 

This module delves into the intricate relationship between peacekeeping operations and regions affected by extreme weather events, particularly in the global south. The global south has been disproportionately impacted by climate change and environmental degradation, setting a unique backdrop for our investigation.  Module 2 goes beyond surface-level understanding, exploring how these conditions shape local communities, influence conflict dynamics, and impact peacekeeping effectiveness.

 

Your Mission

 

Players act as the UN Military Observer Investigation Lead navigating an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, which is firmly under the control of one of the armed factions. This mission calls for acute observational skills and strategic thinking, as every decision holds significant weight.

Future iterations will introduce advanced features, allowing players to plan mission logistics and refine investigation strategies. Additionally, you’ll engage with a diverse array of stakeholders, including fellow peacekeepers, communities facing conflict and climate challenges, and even belligerent forces aiming to disrupt peace efforts. This expanded scope promises an immersive experience to learn about the complex world of modern peacekeeping.

Testing

 

Played in a course at the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean (CMR St Jean) to teach and illustrate the effects of climate change on the local population, on armed conflict (both the positive and negative effects), and on peace operations in the field.

PKS: Protection of Civilians - Prototype

 

These prototypes explore the range of activities that peacekeepers must carry out in order to protect local population from imminent threats. Developed with Sheridan College.

 

Your Mission

 

 

Testing

 

 

Publications

A. Walter Dorn & Stewart Webb, “Gaming Peace: A Call for Peacekeeper Roles,” Defence Report, 23 July 2018. (html)

A. Walter Dorn, Stewart Webb and Sylvain Pâquet, “Peacekeeping Simulation: From wargames to peacegames,” International Peacekeeping journal, 27:2, 289-310, 2020 (pdf).

A. Walter Dorn, “Peacekeeping games, anyone?” (PAXsims 2020)(pdf).

A. Walter Dorn and Peter F. Dawson, “Simulating Peace Operations: Digital Training and Education,” (Simulation & Gaming) (html) (pdf).

Peacekeeping simulations project (current website).