With every passing year, video games seem to become more realistic. Many are now so lifelike, that when you sit down in front of a screen to play, you feel like you become part of the virtual world. The goal of gaming is to offer an alternative to our day-to-day routine and these realistic titles do just that, transporting us to worlds we’d never be able to visit in real life. It’s technology that has made these realistic experiences possible.

Technological advancements ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) to advanced graphics rendering and physics simulations have made it possible for designers to create virtual worlds that are closer to reality than was ever thought possible. Given these changes, many have wondered if this extreme realism has improved or altered the way we experience games. Here, we look at the answers to that question.

The Appeal of Ultra-Realistic Games

We like realistic games because they feel like genuine experiences, in much the same way as watching a movie on the big screen does. Only, in the case of games, we’re controlling the action as we make our way through lands that feel like they could exist in our world, even if they’re only accessible virtually. Realism is one of the reasons simulation games have become so popular. Whether you’re playing the Sims or Microsoft Flight Simulator, players enjoy experiencing situations where the decisions they make feel like they have a real impact.

We see the same thing in online casinos, where platforms have created digital worlds that credibly reflect what’s found on the gaming floor in physical casinos. Whether you want to play blackjack online or spin the reels on a themed slot, these virtual platforms make gamers feel like they’ve been transported to a brick-and-mortar establishment. The actual games unfold in the same way as they would in real life. Blackjack, for example, features the shuffling of cards and realistic chip stacks.

Beyond online casinos, we can also see examples of realism in role-playing games (RPGs) that use photorealistic graphics, as well as compelling stories, to make characters and settings feel more believable.

How Realism Changes Gameplay

Graphics are an important component when it comes to realism in games, but it doesn’t end there. Mechanics also play an important role. If you’ve ever played a game where your character became tired, hungry or injured, and you had to take a break for them to recover, you know what this type of realism is all about. In these games, you have to manage your resources carefully, including food, beverages, and healing potions, to make sure you have them on hand when needed.

AI-powered NPCs in games like Fallout are also contributing to making games realistic. Modern-day NPCs can learn from your in-game actions and adjust their responses based on previous interactions with you. These new and improved NPCs display human-like behaviors and react in real time to what’s unfolding in a game.

Realistic physics are another way to keep players immersed, as they have to think about factors like weight and momentum as they complete missions.

The Unexpected Effects of Extreme Realism

You might not realize it as you’re playing, but ultra-realism impacts you as a player on an emotional level. You may find yourself feeling a bond with a character and becoming invested in the narrative in ways that wouldn’t happen in a game that felt disconnected from reality. These techniques are even being used to train people for jobs in the real world, such as flight simulators and medical programs that allow students to develop real-world skills in a controlled, virtual environment.

However, there is a fine line between the right amount of realism and going too far. While it may seem counter-intuitive, a game that’s too realistic can feel tedious to the player if the realism isn’t executed in the right way. Nobody wants to deal with the problems of life when gaming. Top tier games find a balance between realism and immersion, while ensuring players have the best experience possible.