The Sims 4
Discrete-Event System Simulation describes simulation as the ‘imitation of the operation of a real-world process’ (Banks 2005, p.4), as this directly relates to The Sims 4. Considering the participation elements of The Sims 4 I considered the analytical framework proposed by Reassens. Reassens explores the difference between “cultural participation and Participatory Culture. It is interesting to note that as a previous player of the sims 4 I found myself in the participatory culture. Once I had started my digital artefact, I was less passive and although I played less, I found myself within the paratext of the sims 4 more, concerned more with modifications and online communities.
Raessens explains, construction is understood as the addition of new game elements, can exist in the making of new games or—and this is much more common—the modification of existing games, described as ‘‘to deconstruct and alter an existing system for the joy of it’’ (Raessens 2005, p. 381). This is perhaps one of the most obvious examples concerning the sims 4. Further explaining “the users can extend or change the text by adding their own writing or programming’’.
Reference List:
Raessens, J 2005, ‘Computer games as participatory media culture’, J. Raessens & J. Goldstein (Eds.), Handbook of computer game studies, pp. 373-388.
Banks, J Carson, JS & Barry 2005,’Discrete-Event System Simulation’, ndl.ethernet.edu.et, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 1-20.