Speciality Of Life Simulation Games
Life simulation games are a sub-genre of simulation video games in which the player lives or controls one or more virtual characters. These games generally revolve around “individuals and relationships, or simulation of an ecosystem”. Sim games are all about “maintaining and growing a virtual life”. In these games, players are given the power to control the lives of autonomous people or creatures. In other words, they are simply a simulation of a virtual life.
Simulation video games is a broad genre that includes God games which focus on managing tribal worshipers, as well as artificial pets that focus on one or several animals. It also includes genetic artificial life games, where players manage populations of creatures over several generations. Artificial life games are also related to computer science research in artificial life.
Simulation games are well known for their ability to inspire players to say “one more turn.” They are addictive because they give the players a sense of control, power and achievement. These games let the players decide what the winning conditions should be. Rather than achieving a goal the game sets as ultimate, the gamers set and reset their own. This aspect gives players more control and lets them decide how they want to have fun in the game. It can give players a type of freedom they might be lacking in their real lives. Different gameplay types often lead to two types of control — either living within the virtual world or acting as a god of that virtual world.
Simulation games vary in quality and complexity, but the sense of achievement and the openness of design, which allows its players to do what they want, is one of the reasons the genre is so popular. Sure, sim games aren’t for everybody, but their unique qualities hook players through great quality, consistent rewards, and the fun of designing their own style of play. The fan base for life simulation games is unique and a major percentage consists of female players, which is considered a rarity in the video game world.
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