After updating its training software to appeal to the video-game generation, Bankers Trust New York Corp. has begun selling the system to other institutions.
Corporate Gameware was developed to train the growing number of young investment bankers at Bankers Trust. But the bank expects it to appeal to other institutions as well.
It has already found one customer, to Toronto-Dominion Bank.
"When you think of computer games, there is lots of engagement but no content," said Marc Prensky, vice president of Bankers Trust's Resources Group.
"Business has lots of content but no engagement. Put the two together and you have a way to learn the business, through computers, that will make sense for this generation."
Experts said training has become an increasingly important issue as technology has grown more sophisticated in nearly every area of banking.
PC-based Gameware simulates simulations situations that might arise in a business day. That helps familiarize employees with corporate procedures.
Training games in the software include:
*The Battle of the Brains, which aims to promote teamwork by creating group-oriented competitions in solving problems. The game is illustrated with brains encased in football helmets.
*Flashcards I and Flashcards II, multimedia quiz games meant to familiarize staff members with corporate policies and key executives.
*Conversations, intended to help set standards for communicating with clients and colleagues by showing sample conversations and asking game players to rate them as "effective" or "ineffective."
Mr. Prensky said the games are intended as enhancements, not replacements, for classroom instruction.
Though the software was designed to keep the attention of employees who grew up with Nintendo and Sega video games, it can also be effective in training older employees, Mr. Prensky said.
"Kids think of the computer as a toy," he said. "Older people think of the computer as tool."
