What is the best way to use a FRC game simulation?

[lachoneus8]

Now that game engine technology has advanced greatly in the last couple years, it is possible that we can start seeing more 3d FRC game simulations in the 2009 season. Gaming engines such as Half-Life 2 have incredible visuals and physics in place that could be modded for the purpose and other free or cheap engines and tools have been developed that makes it easier then ever to develop games.

There are a lot of ways such a simulation could be used. How would you use it?

Here are some examples why you might pick each of these options:

A team-building activity

• The simulation would have a LAN style capability so team-mates could have fun competing in a FIRST-like video game.
• Promotes teamwork with a fun activity

Developing and testing strategy

• The simulation implements the current year’s game.
• Drivers can learn some of the nuances of the game through extensive practice before a practice field or even the robot is built.
• The team could try their strategy in conjunction with different styles of ally robots and against different styles of opponents
• The simulation could be run back to back in constant fashion early in the build season

Designing your robot

• The simulation could allow users to customize a robot design using prebuilt pieces and mechanisms
• The simulation would have advanced physics so that most possible design features could be modeled
• Users could build their robot virtually to help them conceptually before building the robot physically
• The field could be simulated as well, allowing you to interact with it and game pieces, simulated as close as possible to real life.

Driver practice and vetting

• Drivers could begin training before the drive-train of the robot is complete
• The simulation could implement customizable controller interfaces so that the team’s controller could be simulated as closely as possible
• Multiple drivers could train simultaneously
• New drivers could be picked and vetted through such a simulation

A way to promote FIRST to others

• The simulation could focus purely on the fun aspects of playing a FRC game
• The simulation could be distributed widely over the internet with strong video game appeal, reaching gamers and getting them interested in FIRST
• The simulation could focus on such things as good AI opponents and online gaming against other players around the world

None of the above – A simulation would result in negative results

• It would be too much of a distraction for team members
• Because it can’t model real life exactly, it could create bad habits
• Other reasons that a simulation would have more negatives than positives (please explain)

Other (Please explain)

• Any other possible use for a 3d simulation not described