Arcade vs Simcade vs Simulation

What are the terms Arcade, Simcade, and Simulation used for?

• Used to describe levels of simulation realism in video games
• Games may prefer being fun and accessible (arcade) or having higher realism and complex mechanics (simulation)
• In specific game categories, such as driving games, arcade/simcade/simulation mostly refers to the driving simulation rather than game mechanics such as skill trees, career modes, immersion factors, etc.

General Usage

• Arcade: Fun and accessible, less realistic, short gameplay
• Simcade: Balance of realism and accessibility, moderate learning curve
• Simulation: High realism, complex mechanics, steep learning curve, immersive gameplay

Arcade

• Characteristics:
  • Emphasis on fun and accessibility
  • Simplified mechanics and controls
  • Less focus on realism
  • Exaggerated features and physics
  • Short, action-packed gameplay sessions
• Examples:
  • Need for Speed series
  • Mario Kart series
  • Burnout series

Simcade

• Characteristics:
  • Blend of arcade and simulation elements
  • More realistic than arcade but less complex than full simulations
  • Easier learning curve compared to simulations
  • Balance of fun and realism
• Examples:
  • Forza Horizon series
  • Gran Turismo series
  • Project CARS series

Simulation

• Characteristics:
  • High emphasis on realism and accuracy
  • Detailed mechanics and controls
  • Requires more skill and practice
  • Longer, more immersive gameplay sessions
• Examples:
  • iRacing
  • Assetto Corsa
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator

Driving Games Usage

• Arcade: Driving is simplified for fun and accessibility; physics are unrealistic.
• Simcade: Mix of accessibility and some real-world vehicle behavior; partially realistic physics.
• Simulation: Attempts to model real vehicle physics and driving conditions as accurately as possible.

Arcade Driving Games

Focus:

• Immediate fun and accessibility, not realism.
• Highly simplified physics (strong grip, exaggerated drifting).
• Little or no simulation of tire dynamics, suspension, or weight transfer.
• Cars are easy to control even at extreme speeds.
• Damage, tire wear, fuel, etc., usually minimal or absent.

Examples:

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• Need for Speed Unbound

Driving experience:

• You can take corners unrealistically fast and recover from mistakes easily.

Simcade Driving Games

Focus:

• Balance between realism and accessibility.
• Physics loosely based on real vehicle dynamics.
• Elements like tire wear, suspension, or weight transfer may exist but are simplified.
• Cars behave plausibly but are forgiving and easier to drive than real cars.
• Often designed for both controller and casual players.

Examples:

• Forza Motorsport
• Gran Turismo
• WRC
• V-Rally 4

Driving experience:

• Driving techniques matter (braking points, throttle control), but the simulation is simplified to remain approachable.

Simulation Driving Games

Focus:

• Maximal realism and physical accuracy.
• Detailed tire models and physics calculations.
• Realistic weight transfer, suspension geometry, aerodynamics, and drivetrain behavior.
• Driving mistakes are punished similarly to real driving.
• Often intended for steering wheels/pedals and serious practice.

Examples:

• Le Mans Ultimate
• iRacing
• Assetto Corsa Competizione
• BeamNG.drive
• Richard Burns Rally
• Assetto Corsa EVO

Driving experience:

• Requires real driving techniques (trail braking, throttle modulation, tire management) to be competitive.