Spark the Passion for Flight in 'Command the Stack' AR Tactical Flight Game for US Air Force
Creative production company We Are Royale (WAR) recently partnered with Air Force Recruiting Service’s ad agency GSD&M to create ‘Command the Stack,’ an AR tactical flight game for the US Air Force (USAF). The vertical, single and multiplayer game reflects the Air Force’s commitment to embracing future-forward technology, such as augmented reality, while entertaining and educating the next generation of airmen. ‘Command the Stack’ is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices.
Simulating the real-life Air Force mission tactic known as ‘The Stack,’ up to three players can work together in different roles to tackle a number of missions and unlock new objectives and aircraft in the process. A daily leader board updated in real-time ranks everything from top scores and achievements to flight hours, allowing players to gauge their performance against other app users.
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“Command The Stack aims to spark a passion for aviation in the future generation of Airmen,” says Maria D’Amato, GSD&M head of experience design. “In addition to giving users a taste of the teamwork and skill needed to accomplish every US Air Force mission, the game also provides a rare look at some of the branch's most advanced aircraft. While airshows give spectators the chance to see aircraft in action, Command The Stack gives players the chance to pilot them in their own living spaces using AR technology.”
“Our goal was to create a robust AR game that was fun and educational with added replay value,” says Loren Judah, WAR creative director. “The gameplay and the missions needed to be accurate to how the Air Force plans engagements while providing an immersive experience for recruits to learn the various roles, responsibilities, and opportunities the Air Force offers. On top of that, we also wanted this to be an entertaining and unique AR game.”
Once players open the app on their phones, they are prompted to move their phone around the room to find a flat, open space to place The Stack, which is presented as a futuristic 3D holographic table featuring three layers. Airmen working in the Top, Middle, and Bottom Stacks work together by gathering intelligence, neutralizing threats, and delivering aid to complete the mission. Each mission lasts approximately 10 - 15 minutes. Scores are based on four criteria: following clear procedures, piloting the appropriate aircraft, mission objective accuracy, and teamwork across all stack layers.
“While the missions are fictional, the tactics, gameplay environments, weapons, and aircraft were all conceived and modelled to specifications,” says Loren. “At the same time, we stayed conscious of the fact that this was still a game, so we incorporated arcade-like elements to keep players engaged without overcomplicating the experience. There is only so much we can pack into a mobile AR game, so balancing realism with authenticity demanded a close look at what would make this experience stand out.”
The initial nine missions feature nine aircraft -- detailed models of actual Air Force aircraft, such as the F-35, A-10, MQ-9, and CV-22. Players can learn more about each one and their abilities in the Air Base encyclopaedia also in the app.
“We got to see just how far the boundaries of AR can be pushed with this experience,” concludes Loren. “It was a challenging yet exciting undertaking to present the holistic experience of the Air Force with narrative-driven gameplay. The client trusted us to tell a good story and create an experience worthy of the USAF mission and its values, while showing the world that the Air Force is embracing the future – even when it comes to their own marketing and outreach.”
