DEVCOM - Game Research Process
  |
|---|
| This is the Document Release Information | |
| Article Number: | 7CAV-DR-057 |
| Scope: | Game Research Process |
| Version: | 0.1 |
| Effective Date: | 22JUN25 |
| Last Modified Date: | 22JUN25 |
| Approving Authority: | Regimental Reserve & Development Commander |
| Point of Contact: | DEVCOM 1iC |
Development Command Game Research Process
The Development Command is the organisation responsible for the identification, planning, launch and support of new Areas of Operation in the 7th Cavalry Regiment. This page lays out the process for game research conducted by the Future Concepts Centre.
Intent
The intent of the DEVCOM 1iC is to ensure there is a structured and repeatable process for the identification and selection of games which become new Areas of Operation in the 7th Cavalry Gaming Regiment. This shall be achieved by stating the characteristics which qualify or disqualify a game, and obtaining qualitative and quantitative data which can be used in the formation of a proposal. There shall be clear requirements (or tradeable thresholds where necessary) which allows for the case to be made that a game can be supported if it does not meet all of the required characteristics. By utilising a clear and publicly declared process all chains of command, including secondary and regimental departments can engage with the Commander’s intent and ensure that the process undergoes continuous improvement as we learn from experience game-to-game. The DEVCOM 2iC and FCC Clerks are accountable to the DEVCOM 1iC for achieving his intent.
Research content and format
Qualifying Characteristics for a new game
| # | Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minimum Daily Activity | The game should be capable of sustaining at least 25 Daily Active Users in the regiment. The game should have at least 4,000 concurrent players during peak hours to ensure matchmaking and in-game activity for currently released games. |
| 2 | Community Interest | At least 15 of surveyed members should express interest in playing this game as their primary at a common SP time, or have the ability draw on regular supporters during early growth periods. |
| 3 | Sustainability | The game should have at least one major update per quarter. The game should have a projected lifespan of two or more years. |
| 4 | Competitive Viability | If applicable, the game should have a ranked mode/server list with at least 5% of the player base engaged, or interested, in competitive play. |
| 5 | Access & Platform Availability | The game should be available on at least one major platform (PC, console) to ensure broad accessibility.
Some games start slowly and then grow rapidly in popularity. There are advantages to supporting newer titles as there is less competition for recruiting. While some older games, 10 years or older, have dedicated player bases, their player base may be smaller but more stable than newer titles (e.g., World of Tanks, World of Warships, Post Scriptum). However, for newer titles, a minimum of 100 to 150 daily active players is recommended, with a 30-day peak of 700 to 1,000. |
Disqualifying Characteristics for a new game
| # | Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low Player Retention | Games with a 30-day player retention exceeding 20% should not be supported. |
| 2 | Recruitment Challenges | If recruitment conversion rates are below 10% of outreach efforts, the game should be reconsidered. |
| 3 | Lack of Developer Support | Games with fewer than two developer updates per year or persistent unresolved issues are not ideal. |
| 4 | Cultural Misalignment | Games that do not align with our Regiment’s values, themes, or player expectations should be avoided. (See section below). If the game overlaps with an existing Area of Operation and could reduce that AO by more than 30%, it must be reconsidered. Strictly for starter platoons, does not apply to existing games which will be managed by the PAF Transfer process. |
Cultural requirements for games
| # | Cultural requirement | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Team-oriented Gameplay | Games should encourage teamwork, communication and structured play with a (para)military focus allowing for reasonable application of MILSIM. |
| 2 | Respect | The game’s community should align with our organization’s culture of respect and fair play. |
| 3 | Engagement & Social Opportunities | The game should provide a social experience that enhances camaraderie among members. |
| 4 | Growth Potential | The game should offer pathways for leadership, structured events, and community-driven initiatives or the future potential to do so. This could be expressed as MOSes and varying in-game role contributions. |
Pre-proposal process
Step 1 – Idea formation
An FCC Clerk or DEVCOM HQ team member identifies a potential new game. Preliminary research is conducted to assess viability and is stored on the DEVCOM Trello as a new card.
Step 2 – Initial Interest & Feasibility Study
Gather internal interest from members to gauge enthusiasm (minimum of 15 positive responses) using banners, surveys, and game feedback. Assess qualifying and disqualifying characteristics including cultural alignment. Identify potential recruitment and leadership challenges, theorising Section Practice structure, Operations scope and context etc. Document this assessment on the Trello ready for proposal drafting.
Commander's Discretion
The DEVCOM 1iC, and by delegation the 2iC, may prioritise any game from the Trello board either from urgency to secure a 7Cav presence in an emerging game or by the direction of the Regimental Reserves & Development Commander, at their discretion. The DEVCOM 1iC and by delegation the 2iC, reserve the right to start, suspend, restart or stop work by any FCC Clerk in favour of alternative tasking should the situation dictate.
Conclusion
While this DEVCOM Game Research Process descriptive guide to the DEVCOM scope of game-identification operations, and the first key event in game development in the 7th Cavalry Gaming Regiment.