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A screenshot from
Lincity-NG, a city simulation game.
A simulation game is a game that contains a mixture of skill, chance, and strategy to simulate an aspect of reality, such as a stock exchange. Simulation gaming has its largest application in the world of computers with people learning by simulation. It has been used extensively as an effective way to generate new and more complex behavior among participants (eg. to engender courage among participants exposed to fearful conditions). One notable example is the use of Ropes Course challenge elements to spawn new "outside the box" thinking among corporate executives. When deftly used, simulation gaming can produce results which eclipse many other forms of training.
In computer games, simulation game describes a diverse super-category of video games. Some simulation games are intended to simulate the real world; others are intended to simulate a fictional world; still others (The Sims 2 for example) are designed to be able to do both.
[edit] Genres described as simulations
- Construction and management simulations, a genre of video game where players experience managing a government, managing a sports team, managing a business, managing and building a city, or even playing a god.
- Dating simulations, a genre of video game which focuses on Dating as the theme. In RPG games such as the Harvest Moon (series) and Thousand Arms, the dating aspect, not as a whole, is part of the gameplay.
- Life simulations, a genre of video game where players manage a life-form or ecosystem. One of the most well-known is The Sims and its corresponding sequels. This section sometimes includes pet-raising simulations.
- Medical simulations, a genre of video game where players take the role of a surgeon. This includes Atlus' Trauma Center series.
- Vehicle simulations, a genre of video game where players experience driving a vehicle. This includes flight simulators, racing games, and games that involve driving other vehicles like tanks or boats.
[edit] Other games described as simulations
- Certain wargames with higher degrees of realism than other wargames set in a fantasy or science fiction environment. These attempt to simulate real warfare at either a tactical or strategic level.
- Certain tactical shooters with higher degrees of realism than other shooters. These try to simulate the feeling of actually being in combat.
- "Sim" games marketed by companies such as Maxis. These games have simulated many kinds of experiences.
[edit] See also
