#concept For my own theoretical position, see [[Screen Space, Real Time]] Technical (narrow) description: A simulation is a computer program that changes and evolves in time, and has potentially endless, different outcomes. or: A simulation is an interactive, non-linear cultural (visual and narrative) format that can change and evolve in time, and have potentially endless, different outcomes. Video games are a subset of the format but a simulation does not need to be a [[Game]] . Apps are also simulations but most of the apps do not have an aesthetic intent. A simulation is a general case of a digital, designed, coherent, real-time interactive aesthetic object. A simulation is not a fiction, it is by [[default]] a mathematical [[model]], and as such it is able to produce its own coherent, testable reality, a [[World]] . [[Screen Space, Real Time]] is a long form exploration of the concept. Here is a shorter breakdown on the differences between formats of animation and simulation. I would also add in here that animation is constructed through compositing while the simulation is modeled. ![[SimulationAnimation.png]] [[On Planet Garden, Simulations and Worldmaking]] Related are other, non-technical readings such as Baudrillard's Simulacra theory, or the simulation theory of the mind, etc. [[Software]] [[Apparatus]] [[Perception]] [[Aesthetics]]