page_title: Vehicle simulation game
section_title: Goals and challenges
hierarchical_section_title: Vehicle simulation game / Game design / Goals and challenges
caption_attribution_description: English: Computer simulation of a PMDG Beech 1900D of "American Flight Airways"; in AFA Express colors.
context_page_description: Vehicle simulation games are a genre of video games which attempt to provide the player with a realistic interpretation of operating various kinds of vehicles. This includes automobiles, aircraft, watercraft, spacecraft, military vehicles, and a variety of other vehicles. The main challenge is to master driving and steering the vehicle from the perspective of the pilot or driver, with most games adding another challenge such as racing or fighting rival vehicles. Games are often divided based on realism, with some games including more realistic physics and challenges such as fuel management.
context_section_description: The core gameplay in a vehicle simulation is the physical and tactical challenge of driving a vehicle. Mastery of vehicle control is the element which encourages players to continue playing, even after the game's goals have been completed. Players learn to use appropriate speed and steering, and must avoid crashing by observing cues about how fast they are going. There are some vehicle simulations where the player is given no specific goal, and is simply able to explore and experience using the vehicle. In the absence of any competition, "some vehicle simulations aren't games at all"
  But most vehicle simulations involve some form of competition or race, with a clear winner and loser. Some games add special challenges such as combat and slaloms. Many types of driving games, including both military flight simulators and racing simulators, make use of careers and campaigns. Players must complete different tracks or missions, and collect victories and other achievements based on their performance.
caption: Microsoft Flight Simulator focuses solely on the experience of flying an aircraft, in contrast to other games with missions and goals.
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