Real Lives (video game)

Real Lives is an educational life simulation video game developed and published by Educational Simulations. The game simulates the entire lifespan of a randomly generated person, from birth to death, focusing on the impact of choices, circumstances, and global factors on their virtual life.

Gameplay begins with the player being assigned a randomly generated character, including their birth location (country, city), gender, and some initial character traits. The game progresses in one-year increments. Each year, the player makes choices related to education, career, relationships, health, and lifestyle.

A key feature of Real Lives is its emphasis on the unpredictable nature of life. The simulated character can experience a wide range of events, both positive and negative, influenced by real-world statistics and data on various countries and global issues. These events can include illness, accidents, natural disasters, economic downturns, and political instability.

The game aims to teach players about global awareness, cultural differences, the consequences of choices, and the importance of empathy. By experiencing the simulated life of someone from a different background and facing different challenges, players are encouraged to consider the complexities of life in various parts of the world.

Real Lives is frequently used in educational settings to supplement lessons in social studies, geography, economics, and health. The game's ability to personalize the experience and demonstrate the impact of global events on individual lives makes it a valuable tool for teaching complex concepts in an engaging way.