The problem with simulation games, according to such internet sages as Julian “Oi Fosters” Taylor is that they are not games. If this is the case, then we do have a bit of a problem here. For the record, I do see his and Lusi’s point. Most simulation games do not operate on a win/lose basis. You win just by participating, kind of like in elementary school when we all won little trophies or certificates for playing sports, regardless of the scoreline. I still remember how much I hated that anti-climatic sense of non-accomplishment.
So, come on, sim game industry, do me a favour here and make more games like, I dunno, Recettear, that are still cutesy little simulation games, but have clear margins of success and failure. Unlike, say, The Sims, where death and dismemberment actually can be the goal and primary source of joy for the game.
