God Games

God Games are a genre of simulation video games in which the player assumes the role of a deity or supreme being with the power to influence and manipulate the game world and its inhabitants. The player typically does not directly control individual units, but rather exerts influence through indirect actions, shaping the environment, granting powers, issuing commands, or setting societal goals.

Key characteristics of God Games include:

• Indirect Control: The player's influence is primarily exerted through abstract actions and policies rather than direct control of individual characters or units.
• World Shaping: The ability to terraform landscapes, create or destroy natural disasters, and otherwise alter the physical environment is a common feature.
• Follower Management: Players often manage populations of followers or worshippers, providing them with resources, guiding their development, and ensuring their well-being (or lack thereof, depending on the game).
• Technological and Societal Progression: Guiding the development of civilizations through technological advancements, social structures, and belief systems is a common goal.
• Moral Choices: Many God Games present players with moral dilemmas and choices that affect the development of their followers and the overall direction of the game. Actions taken by the player can have significant consequences, influencing the morality and behavior of the game world's inhabitants.
• Sandbox Elements: God Games often offer a sandbox environment where players can experiment and explore different approaches to shaping their world without strict win/lose conditions. The emphasis is often on creation and experimentation rather than competition.
• Perspective: Gameplay often involves an overhead or zoomed-out perspective allowing the player to view and interact with the whole world or a large portion of it.

The genre overlaps with other simulation and strategy game genres, such as city-building games, real-time strategy games, and simulation games. However, God Games are distinguished by their focus on deity-level influence and manipulation of the game world rather than direct control or resource management.