A simulation game tries to model a system, activity, or experience. That system can be realistic, like flying a plane, or playful, like managing a tiny town or unusual business.
Different kinds of simulation
Simulation games can focus on vehicles, sports, farming, cities, life, business, cooking, animals, machines, or entire economies. Some are accurate and technical; others are relaxed and simplified.
Why players enjoy simulations
Sim games let players test decisions and watch systems react. They can be satisfying because progress is visible: a city grows, a farm improves, a team wins, or a machine runs better.
Simulation games often share ideas with strategy games because both reward planning and understanding systems.