The Comfort of Control: Five Reasons Why Social Simulation Games Can Appeal to Autistic Adults
- martine.ellis
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Social simulation games like The Sims and Animal Crossing: New Horizons have found a loyal audience among autistic adults. These games offer more than just entertainment—they provide a calm, structured, controllable, and safe environment where players can engage at their own pace.
This article explores why these games are especially appealing to autistic people, and how they can support wellbeing, creativity, and self-expression.
1. Predictability and Structure
For many autistic adults, daily life can feel unpredictable and overwhelming. Social simulation games, in contrast, offer:
Consistent rules and routines: In Animal Crossing, for example, the in-game day mirrors real-time, and daily tasks like fishing or fossil hunting follow a predictable pattern.
No pressure to succeed quickly: These games don’t have time limits, high-stakes challenges or abrupt surprises. Players can take things at their own pace—which can feel reassuring and enjoyable.
2. Safe Social Interaction
Many autistic people find social situations difficult or draining due to unspoken rules, sensory overload, or anxiety about being misunderstood. Many social simulation games offer:
Controlled social settings: Players can practise social interaction in a low-risk environment. Conversations are scripted, predictable, and free from real-world social pressure.
Opportunities to explore identity: Creating characters with different characteristics or styles can be a gentle and private way to explore aspects of identity.
LGBTQ+ inclusivity: Some games—The Sims, for example—are inclusive by design. Players can choose pronouns, customise gender expression, and form relationships without restriction. Given that many autistic people also identify as LGBTQ+, this level of freedom and acceptance makes the game feel especially welcoming and affirming.
3. Freedom to Customise and Create
Autistic people often have strong interests and a love for detail. Social simulation games cater to this through:
Design and creativity tools: Building houses in The Sims or designing outfits, decor, and island layouts in Animal Crossing can be a deeply satisfying outlet.
Repetitive, soothing tasks: Activities like planting flowers, decorating interiors, or fishing are repetitive but rewarding, and can help with emotional regulation.
The option to research and master the game: These games have complex systems that can be explored in depth—from mood management in The Sims to optimising turnip prices in Animal Crossing. For autistic players who enjoy structured, in-depth research and learning, this can become a highly engaging, intense interest.
4. Autonomy and Control
In real life, many autistic adults face challenges with autonomy due to societal misunderstandings or limited support. In these games, players are in charge.
You set the goals: There’s no pressure to "win"—just to play your own way.
You make the rules: Want to live on a remote island with cat villagers and endless flowers? Totally valid. You do you.
This level of control can be empowering, especially for those who often feel out of sync with the world around them.
5. Connection to Community (Optional But Available)
While many autistic people enjoy solo play, there’s also the option for social connection—on your terms.
Online communities: Active spaces like Reddit, Discord, or fan forums allow players to share ideas, builds, tips, and stories in a low-pressure way.
Friend visits: In Animal Crossing, players can invite others to visit their island, offering a gentle way to connect socially.
Social simulation games provide a calming, controllable, and customisable space — a virtual world where autistic adults can thrive without the stress of real-world unpredictability.
Whether it’s through building, collecting, socialising, or simply enjoying the peaceful routine, these games offer far more than fun. For many, they are a source of self care, creativity, and quiet joy.
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