So they wanted a training tool that allowed operators to manipulate inputs and outputs of the various pieces of the refinery process to see how they impact. 'Their concern at the time was that operators tended to be very focused on their one plant, and the one thing they do, and so weren't keeping in mind that what they do affected other parts of the plant. 'The whole goal of this was to teach operators that they are part of a bigger system,' Skidmore said. The operators at the refinery sometimes had trouble getting a big picture for what was happening at the plant beyond their particular area of focus.

Though Chevron knows that the simulation game isn't a substitute for real training, it at least helps its staff understand the big picture.Īccording to The Obscuritory's story on Maxis Business Simulations and SimRefinery: One such company, Chevron, wanted to teach its people how the refinery works as a whole.

Simulators generally require more study and orientation than arcade games, and the best simulators are also educational. That way, these companies could experiment with plans and policies to see what their approximate effect would be before executing them. Games that try to simulate real-world activities (like driving vehicles or living the life of someone else) with as much realism as possible. Many companies saw potential in this, where they could ask Maxis to create simulations of their respective industries.

Free real life simulations games guns