Episode 16 Simulations vs Games
Simulations vs Games
Hi and welcome to Experience Points by University XP. On Experience Points we explore different ways we can learn from games. I’m your host Dave Eng from games-based learning by University XP. Find out more at universityxp.com
On today’s episode we’ll cover simulations vs games. Games and simulations are two things that seem talked about in the same circles. Sometimes they even get misinterpreted for one another. They do share some of the same characteristics. But, games and simulations are different from one another. Before we jump into what those differences are, let’s first define what we mean by games.
What are games? Games are activities that have an explicit goal. There is a clear structure that guides players ‘choices and experiences. Games allow players to interact with the environment, other players, or both.
Games also have feedback mechanisms. These mechanisms provide players with a gauge for how their interaction affects their play. One reason why players find games so engaging and addictive is because they create an emotional reaction in players. This visceral sense of accomplishment, triumph, or fiero, that players get when they play great games is what keeps them coming back for more.
So how do simulations compare to games? Simulations can also be games. Games such as The Sims or Sim City even have simulation in the title. Simulations can also be serious games.
Serious games are games that have been designed from the ground up for learning. So what are some examples of simulations? Microsoft Flight Simulator qualifies for its ability to accurately recreate how one would operate an aircraft. Cytosis is a serious game for its ability to teach players cell biology. Chess is a serious game based on its ability to show insights on how strategies might play out on a battlefield.
Simulations – unlike games – are supposed to be representative. They are supposed to be replications of what can be or has been. If you’ve ever seen Civil War re-enactors, played the Stock Market Game in your high school economics class, or participated in a case study, then you know what simulations can be used for.
Simulations, unlike games, are based on the recreation of a situation. Those can be historical or theoretical situations. However, all simulations require the player to problem solve and make decisions that one might make in the real world.
Debate Club, Mock Trial Team, and Model United Nations are all examples of how simulations have been applied for co-curricular learning. Simulations are often engaging forms of experiential learning because they provide a means for players to practice.
Simulations give participants a safe means for them to play, experiment, and experience what a real world situation would be like. Flight simulators or historical reenactments provides a way for players to experience something that would be too costly, dangerous, or otherwise impossible.
Now, let’s return to simulations versus games. So how are simulations like games? Many gamers can see that simulations share some characteristics in common. Some of those include a scaled difficulty level that progresses with players. Flight simulators can also be as graphically rich as the latest PC games.
Both games and simulations also provide rich feedback for the player in the form of engagements, interactions, and unfolding consequences as a result of players’ decisions. Unlike games, simulations don’t have a specific win/loss state. Games contain structures of specific conditions where the game ends. Typically this results in unequal outcomes for players.
This includes “I win and you lose” conditions for war games. “We both earned points, but I earned more points than you” in board games, or “I finished the race the fastest” in sports or athletics contests.
Simulations don’t normally have a typical win/loss state. Simulations can be played over time. Simulations, like their real world experiences, continue to be. They are an unending interpretation of a state of affairs from which players played a small role.
Now you should be able to tell the differences and similarities between games and simulations. Both can be used to meet your learning, education, and training needs.
Though they both provide different outcomes for your students based on what you want them to learn and takeaway.
Simulations are based on a re-creation of scenarios. They require problem solving from players in order to be successful. Games on the other hand don’t necessarily rely on problem solving for players to engage and finish them.
Rather, games use feedback mechanisms that incentivize players to continue playing.
Both simulations and games provide experiences for players and learners to engage with. You can consider simulations and games both vehicles for bringing your audience where you want them to go.
I hope you found this episode useful. If you’d like to learn more, then a great place to start is with my free course on gamification. You can sign up for it at www.universityxp.com/gamification You can also get a full transcript of this episode including links to references in the description or show notes. Thanks for joining me!
Again, I’m your host Dave Eng from games-based learning by University XP. On Experience Points we explore different ways we can learn from games. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.
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References
Boller, S. (2017, March 13). Games vs Simulations: Choosing the Right Approach for Learning. Retrieved June 20, 2019, from http://www.theknowledgeguru.com/games-vs-simulations-choosing-right-approach/
Eng, D. (2019, May 07). What are serious games? Retrieved June 21, 2019, from https://www.universityxp.com/blog/2019/5/7/what-are-serious-games?rq=serious%20games
Eng, D. (2019, June 18). Feedback Loops in Games Based Learning. Retrieved from https://www.universityxp.com/blog/2019/6/18/feedback-loops-in-games-based-learning
How is Chess Strategy Linked to the Master Principle of Warfare? | Chess Blog of iChess.NET. (2017, October 22). Retrieved June 25, 2019, from https://www.ichess.net/blog/chess-strategy-linked-to-principle-of-warfare/
Kramer, W. (2000, December). What is a Game? Retrieved June 21, 2019, from http://www.thegamesjournal.com/articles/WhatIsaGame.shtml
Liberty, S. (2016, December 15). For User Engagement, Forget Flow. It's All About Fiero. Retrieved June 21, 2019, from https://blog.prototypr.io/for-user-engagement-forget-flow-its-all-about-fiero-80500e4c1d8e