Scientists from Durham University have come up with some startling new facts: Violent computer games could help save maximum lives in case of fires. Apparently, the software code used in first person shooter games can also be used to train people how to conduct themselves during fire emergencies in closed spaces like buildings.
The code used in computer games such as Half-Life 2 and Doom 3 can be easily manipulated to build virtual 3D worlds which are mock-ups of real life environments. Virtual worlds created in this manner are easier to program than those created with tool-kits intended for the purpose.
Dr. Shamus Smith from the Durham University’s Computer Science department puts it in layman’s terms explaining, “Although virtual environment toolkits are available, they usually only provide a subset of the tools needed to build complete virtual worlds. Although, you can create fire and smoke for example, it is not very straightforward.”
Smoke, wind, water and fire are not only easier to program but can also be controlled to a greater extent using video game code. Scientists can make fires grow, spreading to different parts of the virtual world as time passes and can program smoke to perform as they want it to.
A 3D model of a real building having three fire evacuation scenarios was built by only one developer in just three weeks. This was faster and more precise than using virtual reality toolkits or starting from ground up.
Virtual locations can help in pointing out flaws in building planning, and can even teach people proper protocol and good practice in case of fires.
As an integral part of the study, researchers tested this virtual environment on a number of people. They were told that there was a fire in the virtual building and that they had to find their way out. Most people found the first person view very effective and people with such gaming experience were reported to have performed better than those without.
Steve Wharton, Deputy Community Safety Manager at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said that using virtual models is a good way to make people aware of fire safety norms and it helps in firefighter training which is realistic and at the same time effective and safe.
The virtual model was built to mimic the Durham University’s computer science department, which is spread over three floors and has quite a few offices and other rooms. Half-Life 2’s ‘Source’ engine was used in the making of this model and items including fire-exit signs, fire alarms and spreading fires were programmed in.
In related research, such gaming technology has been used to simulate a variety of virtual environments in order to teach people cooking safety, to recreate potential lab accidents and even to help people suffering from certain phobias.