
The Future of Games, Virtual Worlds, and Simulations | 457
THE FUTURE OF GAMES, VIRTUAL WORLDS,
AND SIMULATIONS
The use of games, virtual worlds, and simulations in Western society continues to
increase. The combination of best practices supported by sound research, the
ever-growing power of technology, and learners who grew up using these environ-
ments will lead to increases in their use (New Media Consortium, 2007).
In addition, games are becoming cheaper to produce and consume. Game de-
velopment engines, long in the hands of only major game development companies,
are now available at a cost that many can afford. Some games come with built-in
development ...