Simulator games and how realism plays into education

With the current generation of gaming, some gamers prefer a laidback experience where they can passively learn the intricacies of a certain field of study. Simulator games like Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 offer realistic experiences without actual fieldwork. It is little surprise that more simulator games are created annually to cater the ever growing audience.

Simulation in education

Just how realistic are simulator games anyway? Well, they can range from casual simulators where you get to understand the basics of certain fields or go hardcore into every nitty-gritty detail.

With how detailed some simulator games can be, students stand to benefit greatly from them. Think about it, if you want to be an automobile engineer, Car Mechanic Simulator is perfect for you to learn how to make repairs or tune your cars to the tee, with every bolt and nut in detail.

Students will get a better understanding of their field of study, and could even help them choose their desired degree if they are interested in that kind of work. If education includes detailed simulator games, students can have interesting and fun ways of learning right before they step into actual fieldwork. It helps ease students into the subject better and have greater understanding of the field prior to the physical work.

Students aren’t the only ones reaping the benefits, however. Anyone can gain great knowledge and insight into the internals of a car better.

Below are a few simulator games that are detailed and realistic for students and everyone:

Car Mechanic Simulator 2021

As the name states, Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 is a highly realistic simulation game that pays major attention to detail. From every nut to bolt, this game allows players to build and repair cars in various conditions exactly like how an actual mechanic would. You can buy cars from dealerships, auctions or pick them up from a junkyard, where you can salvage parts for your newest build.

Students interested in mechanical engineering and car enthusiasts alike would quickly learn how repairs are done without the issue of experimenting on their own cars and potentially make a grave mistake. Through this game, you’ll find a deeper appreciation of how your car works, — mess with one tiny component of your car and you’ll cause dozens of other problems.

Price on Steam: US$24.99

MudRunner

MudRunner is the ultimate off-road experience that puts players in the driver seat and dares them to take charge of incredible all-terrain vehicles, venturing across extreme Siberian landscapes with only a map and compass as guides. With insanely realistic mud physics, players can easily topple or get their trucks stuck in the mud. Whenever your truck gets stuck, you might have to get another vehicle to get it out of there.

You’d be surprised how much truckers are paid in the US. The average annual base salary of a trucker according to Indeed, is US$73,338. Of course, the high pay is due to the hazards of being a trucker, the long hours and miles you need to cover would be dangerous for you and any cars around. If you are interested in truck driving or just curious, you can take your chances with this simulator and discover the grueling work of truckers without risking life and limb.

Price on Steam: US$19.99

Price on Google Play Store and Apple App Store: US$5.99

Microsoft Flight Simulator

From flying an enormous cargo plane to the first plane ever made, you can do all this and more with highly detailed and accurate aircrafts in the next generation of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Test your piloting skills against the challenges of night flying, real-time atmospheric simulation and live weather in a dynamic and living world.

With this simulator, you would need to research, study or have prior knowledge about how to fly a plane or else your trip will be really short. This simulator allows players to fly around the world and witness and land at iconic cities around the world.

Aviation students will appreciate how detailed this game is when it comes to planes. Actual pilots have made reaction videos and played the game, and were amazed how every detail is as accurate as it can be. Anyone with the patience to study and go through the deep learning curve are able to learn a lot from this game. Microsoft Flight Simulator is VR supported as well for deeper immersion for anyone who wants to take to the skies.

Price on Steam: US$59.99

America’s Army: Proving Grounds

America’s Army: Proving Grounds is part of the highly acclaimed America’s Army game series. This free military game focuses on small unit tactical manoeuvres and puts you to the test in a wide variety of new America’s Army maps and old fan favorites. The developers are none other than the US Army. Yes, America’s very own military made a game to simulate proper training and tactics that the army actually uses.

Intended to inform, educate, and recruit prospective soldiers, this game allows Americans to virtually explore the Army at their own pace, and allows them to determine if becoming a soldier fits their interests and abilities. Although it is not as fast-paced or fun as other first-person shooters, America’s Army: Proving Grounds serves the purpose of bridging the gap between video game war and actual war.

Price on Steam: Free