When I was young, I absolutely adored video games. I still do, but I enjoy them in a different way now. I enjoy simulations. When the computer plays against itself its called a simulation. Most of the time simulations are better known for matchups that does not involve an actual user like you and I to participate. But every once in a while it pays off to watch these simulated games being played by the computer.

I’m a fan of many different sports, but for the sake of this argument, I’ll use football.

Of course, video games are not real, but have you seen the graphics for the latest Systems? It is by far the realest experience that you can truly fool yourself into believing. When it comes to real life football you prepare your mind and body to sit through entertainment, right?
Well, grab your nachos, beer, and close friend for a hybrid entertainment. Watch as video games take over live performances.

It’s Sunday afternoon and the Philadelphia Eagles are set to play their Divisional rival New York Giants. The kickoff is ready and the Giants are receiving. The ball is in the air and the camera cuts are amazing. The receiver catches the ball and the sky cam manages to shoot footage so close that you can see the sweat through his face mask glistening bright.

Now, let’s pause this live TV and turn the video game back on. More specifically, let’s bring out attention to Madden NFL 19. I have prepared the same exact matchup as what’s on TV. Eagles vs Giants. In this game, I experience the same close up footage of the receiver returning the ball for the start of the game.

Throughout this process my controller will sit on the dresser and collect dust. I purchased this game and game system for the same reason I purchased cable. That reason is to just watch. Every decision that these players make are calculated in a lab. But I love to see how real their last minute tackles can be. The idea is to simulate more than just the stats. They want to depict human behavior. If I could trick myself into believing these computer graphics are real people, I can watch a real game.

At some point, I do have to pick up the contoller. But not to play, but to just choose another game.

After each play, there is a huddle where the next play can be discussed. Scientifically, I know the play has already been generated due to the fact that it’s a video game. Along with this generation, each player is given their own personality. Yes, it’s true that the personality traits may be copied for certain groups of players. And just like in a real broadcast, some character traits are so similar they tend to overlap each other.

The Giants have finished their drive and settled for a field goal. After the Quartderback leaves the field, the coach approaches him and gives him words of encouragement to help influence a Touchdown next time. Keep in mind, that it’s precalculated.

Isn’t this amazing how great minds can come together to build a game system so dynamic it possesses real life traits? I agree that we all buy video games to play them, but the more you watch the more you’ll see another world doing what we do exactly the same way.

I believe one day it will all fuse together and simulations will be respected as much as the real deal. Also, we will not be able to tell the difference if it’s truly clicking.