In seeking literature about simulations I find many mentioning games in the same breath, as well as simulation-games. Clark Aldrich (2009) observes that many practitioners have been struck by the paradox of sensing an overlap between virtual worlds, games, and simulations; yet knowing that they are not synonymous. He offers a succinct depiction:
The three often look similar, yet the differences are profound says Aldrich (2009):
- Games are fun, engaging activities usually used purely for entertainment, but they may also allow people to gain exposure to a particular set of tools, motions, or ideas.
- Simulations use rigorously structured scenarios carefully designed to develop specific competencies that can be directly transferred into the real world.
- Virtual worlds are multiplayer (and often massively multiplayer), three-dimensional, persistent social environments with easy-to-access building capabilities. They share with games and simulations the three-dimensional environment, but they do not have the focus on a particular goal, such as advancing to the next level or successfully navigating the scenario.
Aldrich, C. 2009. Virtual Worlds, Simulations, and Games for Education: A Unifying View. Innovate—a former official journal of online education of the Nova Southeastern University's Fischler School of Education and Human Services (FSEHS), Volume 5, Issue 5 (penultimate), June/July 2009. Retrieved electronically 23 October 2011 from: http://innovateonline.info/pdf/vol5_issue5/Virtual_Worlds,_Simulations,_and_Games_for_Education-__A_Unifying_View.pdf
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