Simulation games have many sub-genres among which building, business, and sports simulators are gaining more popularity. According to the journal, the simulation gaming comprises areas such as computerized simulation, gaming, simulation, internet simulation, simulation/gaming, educational games, serious games, e-games, video games, training games, internet games, policy exercises, planning exercises, day-in-the-life simulations, post-experience analysis, debriefing, modeling, analytic discussion, game theory, virtual reality, augmented reality, toys, playthings, education games, structured exercises, experiential learning, active learning, learning from experience, social impact games, edutainment, digital game-based learning, immersive learning, alternative purpose games, brain games, games for change, synthetic learning environments, games for good, and synthetic task environments.

The Simulation & Gaming journal defines simulation gaming in a broader way. Simulation games can be played with board games, computer assisted board games, or environments which are fully-computerized.

Simulation gaming basically an imitation and recreation of a real-life situation with advanced visualization technologies and software programming.

Best simulation games 2015