Can the Best Real Sniper Become the Best FPS Game Player?

No one would deny that VR military simulations have reached a level of realism where they can convincingly mimic a battlefield environment. They have become such effective training tools that military and law enforcement (LE) units regularly use them. These simulations have reached the tipping point where they are no longer just games but training aids for real-world applications. However, while shooting prowess is crucial for real snipers, it is just one aspect of their skill set. Many other attributes, which can only be honed through rigorous real-world practice, are equally, if not more, important.

Real Snipers vs. FPS Game Players: A Comparison

Real snipers require a comprehensive skill set that goes far beyond just shooting. These include:

Camouflage and concealment Tactical movement and navigation Judging distances and observing Patience and discipline

None of these skills can be effectively learned through virtual reality simulations or even first-person shooter (FPS) games. FPS games, while providing some basic shooting training, cannot replicate the complex and intricate practical skills necessary for real-world sniping. The shooting in FPS games bears little resemblance to the precision and discipline required in real-world sniping. Holding a rifle, making long-distance shots, and accounting for wind and elevation are vastly different from aiming a reticle on a monitor.

The Irrelevance of FPS Skills for Real Snipers

"FPS sniping" is a misnomer; it has as much to do with real sniping as using Microsoft Excel does. A real sniper spends a significant portion of their training on these essential skills. For instance, a typical sniper course will dedicate only a third of its time to actual shooting ranges. The rest of the time is spent on:

Camouflage and concealment techniques Tactical movements in varied terrains Navigational skills Observing and reporting

The shooting skills gained from playing FPS games are limited and cannot be directly applied to real-life sniping. Additionally, the two realms are fundamentally different:

Aiming: Real sniping involves precise aiming, breath control, and trigger management, while FPS games focus on digital reticle placement. Distance and Wind: Real sniping requires accounting for distance and wind conditions, which are not factors in most FPS games. Observational Skills: Real snipers must observe and report accurately, while FPS games are more about reacting to visual stimuli.

Real-World vs. Digital Skills: Driving and Flying

Even if one assumes that some gaming skills can transfer to real-world scenarios, certain aspects of driving and flying exhibit more similarities:

Driving Games: You might have a leg up over most, as driving games require split-second decision-making and reflexes, which can be beneficial for situational awareness. Flight Simulator Games: These games offer a decent foundation for pilots, as they simulate cockpit controls and situational awareness. Shooting Games: Unfortunately, FPS games offer no practical benefit for sniping. The precision and hand-eye coordination required in real sniping cannot be adequately practiced through digital means.

Moreover, video games can improve decision-making and problem-solving skills, but the real-world applications of these skills in sniping are highly specialized and cannot be easily replicated by gaming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while FPS games can provide some basic shooting training, they fall far short of preparing individuals for the multifaceted skills required in real sniping. The best real snipers rely on extensive training, patience, and discipline that cannot be replicated through digital means. While gaming can enhance certain aspects of decision-making and problem-solving, it is not a direct path to becoming an excellent real sniper.