OGGENRE

Simulation games

The genre that tries to recreate a real job, vehicle or system as closely as possible.

136 games 2 rated 1 recent story
Simulation games

What is the simulation genre?

The goal of a simulation game is not to make you win but to let you feel how something really works. It can be an aircraft cockpit, a farm, a hospital, a railway line or a person's daily life; what they share is the effort to keep the rules true to reality. That is why many simulations have no win screen in the classic sense.

The genre covers a wide range. At one end are games that follow real procedures line by line and take weeks to learn; at the other are games that simplify the same idea into relaxed and sometimes funny experiences. Both live under the same roof.

What defines it?

True to life

Physics, economics or procedures are modelled as close to their real counterparts as possible.

Open-ended goals

Instead of a win condition, the point is to build a system that keeps running.

Learning curve

Controls and menus are crowded, and mastery comes with time.

Long life

Mods and expansions keep simulation games alive for years.

Landmark games

Well-known examples often used to explain the genre. For the list on our site, see the games section below.

The Sims Microsoft Flight Simulator Euro Truck Simulator 2 Farming Simulator Kerbal Space Program

At a glance

GenreSimulation
Games on our site136
Rated games2
Latest release2027

Latest stories on simulation games

Frequently asked questions

Is there such a thing as winning in a simulation game?

In most of them, no. You usually set the goal yourself: A profitable farm, a flight without incidents or a city that works. Some games add measurable tasks through scenario modes.

Do I need special hardware to play simulations?

No, but a steering wheel or a joystick clearly changes the feel of flight and driving simulators. Almost every title can also be played with a keyboard or a controller.

If you like this, try these genres