The origins of the military metaverse:
A look back at the Cold War

The military metaverse, which today forms the basis for online games and virtual reality, has its roots in the dark days of the Cold War. During this time, a technology emerged that revolutionized the face of war and ultimately laid the foundation for modern computing. In this article, we will get to know the fascinating stories and personalities that contributed significantly to the development of the military metaverse.  

JCR Licklider: The unrecognized pioneer of modern computing

One of the most important figures in the history of the military metaverse is JCR Licklider, also known as "Lick". Although he is little known, he made a decisive contribution to the development of modern computing. Licklider was a visionary scientist who already had the idea of a networked world in the 1960s.

 

Licklider was commissioned by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to look for ways in which computers could be used to solve complex problems. He recognized the potential of a networked infrastructure and developed the concept of the "Intergalactic Computer Network", which later became known as the Internet.

 

Using the Internet Protocol (IP), Licklider created a basis for data exchange between computers, laying the foundation for the military metaverse. His work paved the way for the development of networks that made it possible to transfer information in real time and create virtual worlds.

Ivan Sutherland: The father of interactive computer graphics

Another important contribution to the development of the military metaverse was made by Ivan Sutherland. Sutherland is regarded as one of the most influential computer scientists ever and made a significant contribution to the development of interactive computer graphics.

In the 1960s, Sutherland developed the "Sketchpad" program, which is considered the first interactive computer drawing program. Sketchpad allowed users to draw and manipulate objects directly on a screen. This groundbreaking technology formed the basis for today's computer graphics and also had a major influence on the development of the military metaverse.

Bob Taylor: The unknown pioneer of the Internet

Another crucial figure in the history of the military metaverse is Bob Taylor. Although he is largely unknown, his work was of great importance for the development of the Internet.

Taylor was one of the researchers involved in the development of ARPANET, the forerunner of today's Internet. He recognized the potential of computer networking early on and worked to make this technology accessible to the general public.

In an interview, Bob Taylor spoke about the early days of the internet and the challenges he faced. He explained how the military metaverse was driven by the idea of a decentralized network that made it possible to exchange information securely and quickly.

SIMNET: Combining military technology and online games

An important milestone in the development of the military metaverse was the combination of military technology and online games. Dr. Michael Zyda played a crucial role in creating this connection.

 

Zyda developed the Simulation Network (SIMNET), a virtual network that enabled the military to simulate tactical scenarios in real time. This technology formed the basis for the development of online games that enabled players to compete against each other in virtual worlds.

 

A documentary reconstructed the Battle of 73 Easting, the first tank battle to be captured in real time and then endlessly simulated using SIMNET. This reconstruction illustrated the powerful connection between military technology and online gaming that shaped the military metaverse.

 

The impact of the military metaverse on today's world

The military metaverse has fundamentally changed the way we interact with technology today. Developments in computing, network technology and virtual reality have been significantly influenced by the pioneering work of people like JCR Licklider, Ivan Sutherland, Bob Taylor and Dr. Michael Zyda. The military metaverse has also had a major impact on the gaming industry. Online games such as "World of Warcraft" and "Fortnite" use technologies that build on the foundations of the military metaverse. Players can interact with each other in virtual worlds and experience adventures together. In addition, the military metaverse has also found areas of application outside the gaming sector. Virtual reality is increasingly being used in fields such as medicine, architecture and education. The possibilities offered by the military metaverse are diverse and have the potential to further change the way we see and interact with the world. Many of today's technologies in the entertainment industry have their origins in the so-called "military metaverse" developed by the United States during the Cold War. These innovative developments, once designed exclusively for military purposes, have become fundamental tools in the world of consumer electronics.