America’s Army may be the US military’s most super-effective recruitment tool, but that kind of effectiveness comes at a price.
It’s been revealed today that since first beginning the recruitment-tool-masquearading-as-a-game project in 2000, America’s Army has cost the US military – well, really, the US tax payer – $US32.8 million.
That’s just a little over the game’s expected outlay, which was originally touted as $US7 million over five years.
$US30 million is what you’d expect to pay for a bells and whistles, AAA blockbuster title, not a free-to-play online shooter. We’re guessing the bulk of that cash has gone on marketing.
America’s Army bill: $US32.8 million [America's Army]
kaiden
Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 3:41 AMhaha silly americans
Dean Longmore
Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 11:08 AMWow, that is really impressive. Such a powerful recruitment tool for pigeon feed, it’s pretty obvious that the US isn’t going to stop pursuing this recruitment path.
Grant
Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 1:35 PMQuick! Play our game for nothing, then join our army so IW can make a game about you and make a buttload of money!
706
Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 2:18 PMJust think about how that money might have actually been used for useful equipment for the defence forces. I mean do they really need to up the recruitment that much? Seems like they have more than enough troops to do peacekeeping and for the war in Iraq, I doubt any country will need a massive army in the future, I can’t see a world war breaking out anytime soon.
James Mac
Friday, December 11, 2009 at 11:30 AM30 million’s a drop in the ocean… and they probably spent just as much on other recruitment means anyway.
BETLOG
Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 10:46 PMGiven the obvious remote-control combatant/robotic drone technologies… I seriously doubt this is entirely about recruiting in a conventional sense.
But i’m sure it helps that along nicely too. Tasting a bit of challenge/reward goes a long way.