A comparison of the potential pedagogical effectiveness of life simulation games

Abstract

A life simulation game is a type of video game that allows players to simulate and control aspects of artificial life in a virtual environment. While life simulation games in general have never been the most popular form of entertainment, simulations that incorporate evolution into their gameplay have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. These games can be a fun and engaging way to learn about evolution, but their scientific accuracy can vary. This paper compares the scientific accuracy of several popular life simulation games that incorporate evolution into their gameplay, focusing on Spore, Thrive, and The Bibites.