Background and Objective: Explaining the requirements for designing cognitive warfare games at the tactical level.
Method: This applied study used a mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through document analysis, expert panel sessions, and semi‑structured interviews with 12 experts, and analyzed using MAXQDA. In the quantitative phase, 82 participants were selected from a population of 102 cognitive science experts. Data were collected using a researcher‑made questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS.
Findings: The most important design requirements were identified in the cognitive–perceptual dimension. Indicators such as representation of mental and perceptual patterns, modeling of cognitive biases, simulation of decision‑making under pressure and ambiguity, and real‑time feedback obtained the highest mean scores. In addition, informational–narrative, technological–adaptive, human–educational, and cultural–ethical dimensions were identified as complementary components.
Conclusion: The design of cognitive warfare games at the tactical level should focus on simulating decision‑making processes under pressure and information conflict. It should also employ adaptive artificial intelligence, multi‑narrative scenarios, real‑time cognitive behavior analysis, and cultural localization to enhance decision‑making training and strengthen the cognitive resilience of forces.