IBM Launches Its First Video Game, Innov8, to Model Business Processes

IBM has launched its first videogame. Innov8 is an interactive virtual world, similar to Second Life, that IBM bills as a Business Process Management (BPM) Simulator to explore Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA).

"Since practically everyone I've encountered in the business sector has a different explanation for what an SOA is and how it works, I'm thinking [Innov8] might be a smart move for IBM," says Wired's Terrence Russell.

Here's the trailer for Innov8:

Ian Williams |VNU.net| writes:

Manchester Business School (MBS) is one of the first organisations in the world, and the first university in the UK, to use the game. "The games reflect our commitment to breaking down the barriers between business theory and practice," said Linda Macaulay, a professor at MBS.

"It is an ideal learning tool for students, for whom gaming is second nature, to tackle real-world business issues in a virtual environment.

"By working with IBM in this way we will be able to give students a headstart to compete successfully in business."

Video game marketing consultants The Apply Group said that between 100 and 135 Global Fortune 500 companies will have adopted gaming for learning by 2012, with the US, UK and Germany leading the way.

"IBM views serious gaming as a new and exciting way to develop the skills that are required as business and IT become more closely aligned," said Sandy Carter, vice president of SOA and WebSphere strategy, channels and marketing at IBM.

Is it just a matter of time until video games become part of a law school education?

Neal R. Axton, Reference Librarian, William Mitchell College of Law