Virtual reality simulation games
Simulation games often play an important role, for example flight simulators for training new pilots or business games which allow you to run your own company. They mimic or ‘simulate’ real world activities but within a controlled environment.
The main purpose of these games is to educate, train or inform but there are others which allow you to have fun. But we suspect that many people (including us) would enjoy using a flight simulator even though they are designed purely for training purposes.
Enjoyment is not usually a feature of business simulation games which are designed to teach certain aspects of business such as management techniques or finance. They are often used in university and/or business schools.
But there are elements of these games which may be seen as ‘fun’ which also help with learning. Ask yourself this: if you were in a situation where you had to learn a serious (and heavy) subject but it was done in a fun and interactive manner then it would make it easier to learn wouldn’t it? We all have different learning styles and aVR simulation game may be the ideal learning tool for some people.
There are online simulation games which often contain complex rules and relationships which are based on real life situations. Social interaction is a key feature of these games.
Popular simulation games include:
- The Sims Medieval
- Shift 2: Unleashed
- Fantastic Pets
- La Noire
- Steel Diver
These games have been reviewed by various commentators in the Technology section of the Guardian newspaper.
