USA today is running a story about a project currently in development here at WILL. The new VEILS Interactive Movie is being developed in partnership with Lincoln University and the US Army, and is targeted at developing suicide prevention skills within the Army.

“Trying to stem a record surge in suicides, the Army is preparing an interactive video that will have soldiers play the role of a 19-year-old GI in Iraq ready to kill himself.

Make wrong choices for the fictional character — such as choosing not to confide in a friend — and he tries to kill himself.

He is shown fantasizing about suicide, said screenwriter Chris Stezin, in a barracks scene where the character points an M4 rifle at himself. Later, if the player avoids seeking help, the character grows more despondent and is shown entering his barracks. A gunshot is then heard, and the screen fades to black.”

Full story here.