One way to look at it is that video games are not simulations, since there are real-world tournaments with large prizes attached to them. Spectators around the

One way to look at it is that video games are not simulations, since there are real-world tournaments with large prizes attached to them. Spectators around the world watch gamers live-stream their gameplay on Twitch.tv. On the other hand, chess is a highly abstracted simulation of battle; other video games are designed to be as realistic as much as entertaining: first-person shooters, racing games, flight simulators. Others simulate concepts, like improving swordplay or archery skills. I think it's safe to call most modern video games simulations. That doesn't mean they don't have great merit as art or athletic/strategic achievement.