Invitation to participate in a hybrid (human and digital) adjudication wargaming experiment

BSim

The 2030 winter storm wargame scenario wargaming experience

How can gaming and simulation technology come together to shape the future of wargaming? At the DualTech Theatre, IT²EC and Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) are setting out to find the answer. For the first time, we are conducting a unique experiment—blending human decision-making with digital simulation tools to create a next-generation wargaming experience.


To bring this vision to life, we’ve assembled a network of leading experts and technology providers. This includes the most experienced wargaming mentors from Fight Club International and the US Army, alongside industry pioneers MASA (France) and Levato (Norway).


Throughout the day, attendees will participate in multiple interactive wargaming vignettes, where VBS4, MASA Sword, and Levato Vantage serve as digital extensions of the traditional board-based wargaming experience. This hybrid fusion of physical and virtual elements will provide a more immersive, dynamic, and thought-provoking exploration of modern conflict guided by expert human adjudicators.

Join us in (re)defining the future of wargaming.

Purpose

While digital simulation has long played a critical role in defense education, research, and planning, much of its potential remains untapped for wargaming. Too often, simulation tools are seen as standalone solutions, used in isolation rather than as part of an integrated system.

This event challenges that notion. By synchronising multiple platforms and keeping humans in the loop, we aim to create a richer, more insightful, and holistic wargaming experience.

Through this experiment, we will demonstrate how diverse gaming and simulation technologies can be orchestrated into a multi-domain, multi-echelon framework—fusing virtual, constructive, and analytical tools to help decision-makers better anticipate and navigate the complexities of tomorrow’s battlefield.

Process

Two teams of four participants, selected from conference attendees, will go head-to-head in a fast-paced land warfare engagement, putting decision-making and strategy to the test.

The interactive activities will take place in two sessions, allowing attendees to engage directly with participants. You can register either as a participant, actively taking part in the wargaming exercises, or as an observer, following the action and contributing to key adjudication steps.

 


*Please note, signing up for participation in the wargame showcase does not guarantee a spot in the team and does not indicate registration for IT²EC. Anyone signing up for the showcase must also register separately for the event via the main registration form.

Schedule

In the initial stages of the day we will focus on the Strategic Level, geopolitical and military decision-making will be presented with an exploration of strategic modelling, analysis, and decision making with  Levato Vantage software.

Operation conducting and decision-making will be presented in MASA Sword, with opportunities for attendee participation in high-level operations. The VBS - MASA-Sword plugin will represent key manoeuvres on the Operational and Grand-Tactical levels, showing how large-scale forces can be manoeuvred into position to set up the strategic context behind the next headline simulation event.

The final session centres on a Tactical Level, team-vs-team, wargame powered by VBS4 in connection with MASA Sword. The event will showcase how VBS4’s high-fidelity tactical-level simulation can be used to resolve the main efforts of an operational-level exercise. In VBS 4 all physical elements can be considered in resolving combat, which can then be returned to the Sword operational picture.

Participants

We are looking for a diverse group of participants to engage in these activities throughout the day. Conference attendees are encouraged to visit the DualTech Theatre at any time to learn more about this innovative wargaming approach, explore the technologies in action, and even influence the evolving strategic and operational picture.

To ensure a broad range of perspectives, the two participant teams will be made up of individuals from various age groups and professional backgrounds. No prior wargaming or simulation experience is required—each team will have dedicated digital simulation operators providing direct support.

Join us for a unique opportunity to interact with cutting-edge simulation technology, take part in strategic discussions, and help shape the future of digital wargaming.


 

Wargame

Our mentors, animators and partners

Stephen Nelson

Stephen Nelson

 

Stephen Nelson has served in the United States Army at both tactical and strategic levels. Recently, he worked at NATO's Supreme Allied Command Transformation as the Program Director for NATO's Next Generation Modeling and Simulation (M&S). He is currently employed at the U.S. Army Futures and Concepts Center, where he focuses on gathering requirements to inform the Army's Next Generation Constructive and writing the Army's Modeling and Simulation Strategy. His professional and personal interest in wargaming is the subject of his NATO Professional Doctorate. Steve has completed three combat deployments to Afghanistan. He is collaborating with several stakeholders to establish an organisation that will address force design, national security matters, and strategic foresight, with plans for its launch in 2026.


 

Richard Millington

Fight Club International

 

 

Richard Millington is a senior volunteer for Fight Club International, with a remit for project development, events, and community management. A long-time recreational wargamer, his professional experience includes media production, science communication, marketing, and corporate communications. In addition to his role with Fight Club, he also works part-time for Matrix Pro Sims as a marketing content producer. 

 

Seb Loze

Seb Loze

 

 

Sébastien Loze is the Vice President of Products Innovation at Bohemia Interactive Simulations, with over 20 years of experience in the modelling and simulation field. He contributed as a software engineer to many programs including the Eurofighter Typhoon training solution at Engenuity and has held key roles at CAE, Presagis, CM Labs, and Epic Games. where he served as the Unreal Engine Industry Director for Simulations. Sébastien is also an officer in the French Air and Space Force civilian reserve. At Bohemia, he focuses on aligning product strategy with user needs and advancing simulation innovation across the industry.



 

BSim

Levato

masa
Fight Club International