Inspired by Tim’s adventures in Microsoft Flight Simulator, we talk about gameplay mechanisms which make simulations compelling: the dramatic loop of player agency, planning, mission choice, the minutiae of the mechanical gameplay, and the way these elements cohere. We juxtapose this with games like far Cry 5 – whose gameplay, while satisfying in isolation, doesn’t build to anything, and doesn’t feel tied to it’s particular gameplay universe.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Truck Simulator
- Train Simulator
- Elite dangerous
- Space Engineers
- Valheim
- Far Cry 5
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Highfleet