Online Video-Based Simulation Allows Veterans And Employers To Walk In Each Other's Shoes To Get Veterans Back To Work

POTOMAC, Md., Nov. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Veterans Day 2013, WILL Interactive is proud to announce the launch of Reinventing Michael Banks, a one-of-a-kind online video-based simulation that aims to bridge the gap between veterans and employers by allowing each the opportunity to play the role of the other.

Available for free at www.reinventingmichaelbanks.com, veterans, their families, and potential employers are able to play through this live-action video-based simulation and make decisions on behalf of four characters: one job-seeking veteran (Michael Banks) and three corporate hiring professionals. The storyline features real-world situations faced by veterans and hiring managers based on interviews conducted with veterans, HR professionals and managers.

This unique, multiple viewpoint methodology allows veterans and employers to see what it's like to "walk in the other's shoes" when it comes to issues concerning the hiring and retention of transitioning service members.

As the simulation unfolds, the users are immersed in a video-based environment with live actors (not animated) and tasked to perform under realistic day-to-day stresses. They assume the roles of the lead characters in an interactive movie, make real-life choices, and experience the consequences of their actions. Users make the tough decisions from the safety of a computer before they encounter them in real life.

"The statistics show that more than 270,000 service members have been transitioning out of the military every year, and that number is expecting to significantly increase over the next few years," said Sharon Sloane, president and CEO of WILL Interactive. "This simulation hopes to serve as a practical tool to help build greater understanding between veterans and employers and ultimately get more veterans back to work, faster."

Reinventing Michael Banks is used on a computer and aims to accomplish the following:

• Help veterans develop strategies for finding a job as well as life skills needed to successfully navigate the process.
• Help employers and related personnel (HR staff, etc.) hire, effectively utilize, support and retain veteran employees.
• Bridge the veteran and corporate worlds and promote mutual respect, understanding, well-being and success for both veterans and employers.

Reinventing Michael Banks is available at www.reinventingmichaelbanks.com.

About WILL Interactive

WILL Interactive is the nation's leading developer of interactive training simulations. WILL's simulation development and distribution partners include the US military, the National Football League, The Anti-Defamation League and more. These simulations, called "Virtual Experience Immersive Learning Simulations" (VEILS^®), are an engaging cross between video games and movies that have created a powerful education and training genre. VEILS^® immerse users in a movie-like environment with live actors (not animated) and task them to perform under realistic day-to-day stresses. Users assume the roles of lead characters in an interactive movie, make real-life choices and experience the consequences of their actions. VEILS^® allow learners to make tough decisions from the safety of a computer before encountering them in real life.  Read about us in Forbes Magazine http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidewalt/2013/06/05/will-interactive-makes-games-that-save-lives/.

For more information www.willinteractive.com.

Reinventing Michael Banks is the result of a charitable contest in which individuals and organizations were offered a free VEILS^® (valued at $500,000) developed on any topic that was determined to have to have the greatest positive impact on US society.  Out of over 100 submissions, the Veterans' assistance non-profit The Coming Home Project was named as a finalist and selected as the winner by judges Tom Brokaw, Gerry Byrne, Congresswoman Connie Morella and veteran and author Wes Moore.

Shane Brown, [email protected], 1.202.596.8710

SOURCE WILL Interactive