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