Veteran Gaming Australia: Using Video Games to Assist Transition from Military Life
-
Loading... - Johann Bauer
- 06 Jan 2025
- 41 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
A new generation of army veterans is finding solace and community in the world of online video games, leveraging the social and tactical aspects of gaming to ease their transition into civilian life. Veteran Gaming Australia (VGA), founded in 2021, has emerged as a collective organization for ex-military personnel who share a passion for gaming while providing essential support services for those struggling with the shift from military to civilian life. Since its inception, VGA has expanded its reach nationally across Australia.
Matt Woodhead, the VGA WA State representative, emphasizes the importance of gaming in helping veterans reconnect with their past experiences. “Playing first-person shooter and war-simulator games like Call of Duty helps veterans almost live the ‘good old days’ in their heads,” he explains. The organization hosts virtual social gaming nights on weekends, where participants engage in military simulator games, fostering camaraderie and nostalgia.
“Basically, we pick a game, usually a military simulator, and gather about 10 to 12 people to jump on at any one time. We nominate a squad leader, and through the game, players perform call-outs similar to what they would have done in the defense,” Woodhead adds. This structure not only provides entertainment but also recreates the teamwork and communication skills veterans relied on during their service.
Woodhead notes a strong correlation between younger army veterans and regular gamers. The online audio chats during gameplay offer a vital social connection, especially during isolating times. “I heard about Veteran Gaming Australia shortly after I discharged from the army, and I thought it was pretty cool because I’ve always been a gamer myself,” he shares. After being posted in Brisbane and returning to Perth upon his discharge in 2019, he joined the group to maintain connections with fellow veterans.
“A lot of veterans look for support systems outside of defense once they leave, and there’s not much available for contemporary veterans. That’s where VGA steps in,” he explains. For many veterans, gaming becomes one of the three primary hobbies they pursue, alongside fishing and going to the gym.
In addition to providing a social platform for online gaming, VGA organizes regular in-person events and activities, which are crucial for veterans who may struggle with isolation. “We also have hospital loan programs; if a veteran or their family member is going through a long hospital stay, we send them a Nintendo Switch console to keep them occupied during treatment,” Woodhead states.
VGA is also committed to creating social gaming hubs at veteran centers across Australia. These hubs allow veterans and their families to engage in gaming while waiting for appointments or health checks, fostering a sense of community and support.
Recently, Veteran Gaming Australia received a $138,818 Veteran Wellbeing Grant from the Department of Veteran Affairs. Woodhead expresses enthusiasm about the grant, stating, “This funding will be absolutely amazing. It will allow us to realize some of our dreams in terms of how much we want to help people.”
The grant will be used to acquire more equipment for building a social gaming hub in a new veteran center in Perth’s south, as well as to purchase additional 3D printers for ongoing workshops. These initiatives aim to enhance the support and resources available to veterans, further solidifying VGA’s role in their transition to civilian life.
Veteran Gaming Australia is making significant strides in supporting ex-military personnel through the power of gaming. By fostering community, providing essential resources, and creating opportunities for social interaction, VGA is helping veterans navigate the challenges of civilian life. As the organization continues to grow and receive support, it stands as a testament to the positive impact that shared interests, like gaming, can have on mental health and community building among veterans.
