The Complicated Relationship Between the Military and Video Game Industry

The U.S. military has long used video games as a recruiting tool, and more recently the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force have each embraced the so-called “esports,” where teams of military gamers can even compete in different events. In addition to showing off the skills that military gamers possess, these teams help create awareness about the opportunities the services provide.

The U.S. Army created the first military-branded esports team to enter into video game competitions back in late 2018, and it was populated with a mix of active personnel, reservists and even veterans. All that was required to apply was some skill in FPS video games such as Call of Duty, Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds and the breakout hit Fortnite. The Army’s esports league is part of the broader Marketing and Engagement Brigade based at Fort Knox, KY where other military marketing teams are also stationed – including such units as the Golden Knights parachuting team.