Simulation video game

Construction and management simulation (CMS)[8] is a type of simulation game in which players build, expand or manage fictional communities or projects with limited resources.[9] Strategy games sometimes incorporate CMS aspects into their game economy, as players must manage resources while expanding their projects. Pure CMS games differ from strategy games in that "the player's goal is not to defeat an enemy, but to build something within the context of an ongoing process."[8] Games in this category are sometimes also called "management games".[10][11][12]

Life simulation games (or artificial life games)[13] are a subgenre of simulation video games in which the player lives or controls one or more artificial lifeforms. A life simulation game can revolve around "individuals and relationships, or it could be a simulation of an ecosystem".[13] Social simulation games are one of its subgenres.

Some video games simulate the playing of sports. Most sports have been recreated by video games, including team sports, athletics and extreme sports. Some games emphasize playing the sport (such as the Madden NFL series), whilst others emphasize strategy and organization (such as Football Manager). Some, such as Arch Rivals, satirize the sport for comic effect. This genre has been popular throughout the history of video games, and is competitive, just like real-world sports. A number of game series feature the names and characteristics of real teams and players, and are updated annually to reflect real-world changes.

FlightGear, a flight simulator video game

• In medical simulation games, the player takes the role of a surgeon. Examples include the Trauma Center and LifeSigns series.
• In photography simulation games, players take photographs of animals or people. This includes games such as Pokémon Snap and Afrika.
• Military simulation games are wargames with higher degrees of realism than other wargames set in a fantasy or science fiction environment. These attempt to simulate real warfare at either a tactical or strategic level.[14]
  • Some simulators, like GeoCommander by Intelligence Gaming, are designed for the US military to help new officers learn how to handle situations in a game setting before taking command in the field.[15]
  • Certain tactical shooters have higher degrees of realism than other shooters. Sometimes called "soldier sims", these games try to simulate the feeling of being in combat. This includes games such as Arma.

• Vehicle simulation game
  • Flight simulators, including amateur flight simulators, combat flight simulators and space flight simulators
  • Racing video games, including sim racing
  • Submarine simulator games
  • Train simulator games
  • Truck simulator games
• "Blue collar" games that include both realistic and hyper-realistic presentation of blue collar jobs in a game setting. These can include some of the vehicle simulation games including the flight, train and truck simulator titles, hunting games like TheHunter series, other job simulation games like House Flipper, and games themed around these types of jobs like Overcooked.[14]
• Digital card games simulating blackjack and poker (including video poker)
• Video games designed to simulate mechanical or other real-world games. These may include simulations of pinball games and casino games such as slot machines, pachinko, and roulette.