When one thinks of private contracting firms, in context of the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of operation, no private contractor is more infamous than Blackwater. It’s hard to say how history will view Erik Prince, Blackwater’s founder and Ex Navy SEAL. I hope it is fairly, and that he receives credit for breathing life into a concept that still makes a great deal of sense.

Blackwater’s demise does not invalidate Erik Prince’s concept. Blackwater failed because it operated in a space that lacked a central governance or standards setting body. It was very much dependant on a client who was too busy conducting a campaign to develop operating guidelines for its contractor. So, without industry directed overwatch and without specific client guidelines, contractors were force to call their own shots.

However,the fact remains that companies, like Blackwater,  are better prepared and can respond more quickly and cost effectively to demands that are limited and very specific in their requirements. One example of that is providing shipboard security for vessels traveling to and from areas where piracy is a concern. Here, mobilizing state-owned navy’s and armed services is both costly, complex and sometimes ineffective – leading to ongoing diplomatic headaches.

Now, UK publisher, 505 Games, announced that Blackwater for Xbox 360 and Kinect is available at retailers in North America. Developed by Zombie Studios, Blackwater puts players in the shoes of Blackwater operatives in a mission to fight a terrorist threat.