It may at first appear confusing when all the cells are on one edge and in the next generation a cell is born on the opposite edge. However, this makes for a much more interesting simulation because some structures travel forever and a limited field would show them as simply disappearing off of the edge of the field after a few generations. Physics offers a precedent for curved space with Einstein's theories of relativity. A playful teacher may offer that connection to interested students. Even though the simulation does not represent the mathematics for gravitational curvature of space, it may spark interest.
Computer software is one example of a complex system with emergent properties.
For some reason, it does not always work together. Software interacts and it is not possible to test every combination of software that someone may load on their computer. The Internet, connecting millions of computers and people into a web, is a better example because the parts interact more as peers rather than in a hierarchy. Hierarchical rigidity lessens emergent properties. The Game of Life is not a strict representation of biological cell growth.