They were an instant hit with consumers, and they paved the way for countless new games including pinball clones, racing emulators, and environmental sims. The genre got its start back in the 1980s when titles like Fortune Builder and SimCity exploded onto the scene. As for the simulated world itself? Popular titles feature settings ranging from the battlefield to theme parks, race tracks and more. To that end, sims make extensive use of sandbox and open-world environments to provide players with unfettered creative opportunities. There is typically no end goal instead, players are encouraged to control a character and explore their options as they wish. If you think you’re up for the challenge, check out Cities: Skylines on PC and console.Ī simulation game is a type of video game that closely imitates real-life activities and environments. From initial design to resource allocation, to governance, players are responsible for everything. The goal? Build a bustling city with a skyline to match. Players begin the game with an empty plot of land and a small amount of money.

Platform: PC, Mac, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, SwitchĬities: Skylines has quickly dominated the city building simulation scene thanks to its innovative take on the genre.

Our pick for one of the best building simulator games Let’s dive into our roundup of the best simulation games, with options ranging from PC to console to mobile.

We also peek at the best upcoming options and glimpse at the mechanics that make this innovative genre so special.

To make your search for the right sim game easier, this article takes you through the top 13 simulation titles. There are also numerous sim subgenres, as well as countless titles from indie and studio developers alike. Simulation games take many shapes and forms, though business, building, and sports simulators are some of the most popular on the market. By combining true-to-life sandbox environments with rewards-based objectives, sim games always make for an exciting gaming adventure. Ever wish you could step out of your life and into another? Well, the best simulation games help you do just that! Simulation games transform real-life situations into one-of-a-kind video game experiences.

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