We all like to get away from the world every now and then. Playing video games seems like the obvious choice to do so. Some video games are simply more immersive than others. Yes, an experience can become more immersive if you have better gear, like a VR headset or a curved monitor, but essentially, a game is what draws us in.
Some games are particularly good at immersion, like RPGs. However, there is an even better genre of immersion, called simulation games. Simulators have been around for decades and are still among the most interesting video games.
Here is what they are and why they are so popular.
What is a Simulation Game?
Simulators are games which simulate an experience, to be as realistic as possible, though most of them have a bit of fantasy going on as well. Most simulators are simplified, if they are actually sold as video games. Actual simulators are much more realistic and in most circumstances, not used for entertainment purposes.
Simulators vary by sub-genre, for example city builders versus life simulators. They are not the same. Business simulators are also a common sub-type, which were really popular at a certain period of time, and are still hanging around.
Why Simulators?
Simulators are good at giving us a somewhat realistic experience. Since most video games are not really meant to be representative of the real thing, simulators are close enough but still not completely there. An element of surrealism is present, to give us entertainment, and not just the reality of the experience. Even in racing simulators, crashing does not have consequences, not to mention flight simulators.
Simulators allow us to partake in an experience which would otherwise take years of training and would be dangerous in some cases.
Which Types Are Popular?
The most popular simulators are typically business simulators and city builders. An exception would be the Sims series, which is a life simulator. Business simulators typically include the Tycoon series, where you build your own business, themed accordingly. Railroad, amusement park, prison, cafeteria, there are many types of businesses simulated.
City builders are also fun, with games like Civilization and Anno being among the most popular ones. It is good to have triple A representatives in the simulator genre.
Simulators Will Become Better
It is only normal to expect simulator games to become better with time, as technology gets faster and allows us to accommodate more textures. AI technology is more than likely going to be implemented into simulators, to give us a realistic landscape, to an extent. Like most games, simulators are also going to benefit from the development of AI, whereupon the NPCs and game world will feel more believable.
Simulator games are almost realistic representatives of the real experience, here to provide us with entertainment and a glimpse into the world that they are simulating. They are categorized by sub-genres and are often very immersive. From city builders to life simulators, there are a plethora of games to try in this genre.
