The Gamer's Rationale: Simulation, Digital Culture, and the Video Game Revolution
Recent advances in computer simulation technology has allowed for never before seen precision in prediction and simulation of physical phenomena. Technological advancements (specifically digital simulation) have proliferated into the everyday in the form of video game technology. The advanced level of graphical and scenario reproduction, which I refer to as the Simulated Reality Interface, allow both children and adults to 'experience' and practice scenarios before ever encountering them in life. This essay seeks to identify those skills more easily transferred from a simulated virtual environment into the physical, as well as addressing the wider cultural and social implications of such advancements.Beyond gaming, the military, and the corporate world, even television shows such as the History and Discovery channels have utilized simulations that move well beyond textual, vocal, and graphical descriptions to recreate ‘accurate’ historical circumstances. This advancement allows us to become informed users of our physical world as we are increasingly able to make accurate predictions and run scenarios that allow us to make informed decisions about our physical world and our own lives. Click on the text below for PDF