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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Evaluating Flight Performance and Eye Movement Patterns Using Virtual Reality Flight Simulator

Evaluating Flight Performance and Eye Movement Patterns Using Virtual Reality Flight Simulator

Published on: May 19, 2023

Unreal Games.

Carl Therrien¹, Jean-Charles Ray¹, Laurie-Mei Ross Dionne²

¹Département d'histoire de l'art, de cinéma et des médias audiovisuels, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.

Games and Culture

|May 25, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study explores "real games" by examining overlooked genres like visual novels and walking simulators. It investigates the qualities that define gameplay, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes a game.

Keywords:

cultural wars dating simulators literary games real games video game historiography visual novels walking simulators

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Measuring the Kinematics of Daily Living Movements with Motion Capture Systems in Virtual Reality

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Measuring the Kinematics of Daily Living Movements with Motion Capture Systems in Virtual Reality

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Published on: April 5, 2018

Area of Science:

Game Studies
Digital Humanities
Media Studies

Background:

Scholarly and community debates question the 'game' status of certain genres, including visual novels and walking simulators.
These genres face criticism regarding simplicity, lack of challenge, or mature content, yet demonstrate significant popularity and historical presence.
Over 50,000 visual novel titles and thousands of walking simulators highlight their substantial cultural and digital footprint.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze the characteristics of often-dismissed game genres.
To investigate the qualities that contribute to a game's perceived 'realness' or legitimacy.
To examine the historical and contemporary significance of genres like visual novels and walking simulators within game studies.

Main Methods:

Qualitative analysis of game genres frequently debated as 'real games'.
Examination of historical game databases and platforms (e.g., Visual Novel Database, Steam, MobyGames).
Literature review of game studies scholarship and community discussions on game definitions.

Main Results:

Identified common criticisms leveled against genres such as walking simulators and visual novels.
Documented the extensive volume and historical presence of these genres across various platforms.
Found that despite criticism, these genres possess qualities that contribute to their elevation as 'real games'.

Conclusions:

The definition of 'real games' is often narrowly conceived and excludes significant interactive experiences.
Genres like visual novels and walking simulators possess unique qualities that warrant their inclusion in game studies.
Further research is needed to understand the diverse spectrum of gameplay and its evolving definition.