Ludologistics and the politics of playful military technologies

This chapter explores the evolving role of play within military organization through the concept of “ludologistics”—a form of logistical play that complements the traditional material logistics of warfare. Focusing on recent initiatives by the Dutch Ministry of Defense, Dennis Jansen examines how virtual reality, esports and playful public engagements are used to address recruitment challenges and appeal to tech-savvy youth. These strategies are part of a broader cultural and institutional shift, where the military increasingly aligns with start-up models of innovation, flexibility and design thinking. By partnering with academic and commercial entities, the military embeds itself within the wider ecosystem of technological development and digital culture. The chapter argues that this convergence of military objectives and playful media forms reflects a contemporary iteration of the military-entertainment complex. In this space, the brutal realities of warfare are reframed through the lens of interactivity and digital enjoyment, highlighting the strategic importance of play in shaping both public perception and future military capabilities.