Psychological analysis of “The sims 3” computer simulation game discourse: opportunity to create models of sustainable behavior

Southern Federal University, 344006, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

^* Corresponding author: voronaya@sfedu.ru

Abstract

The article presents the results of theoretical analysis of possibilities of the psychological using of computer simulation game «The Sims 3». The novelty of the research lies in the practical summarizing of existing researches. It shows that the development of skills presented in game could provide a methodological material for metacognition learning and understanding the mechanisms of studying. Game also may be useful for social and foreign language skills development. Coping with stress, aggression and negative emotions allows player to realize emotional self-regulation. The game provides an opportunity to simulate situations from the player's life, recreate the past traumatic events and modulate the desired future. The game as a way of escapism can also act as a way of finding inspiration, creativity for real life. A number of studies that observe the manifestation of psychological traits and simulate various situations in the game "The Sims 3» have been noted too. The analysis of game strategies, influence of the factor of limited and unlimited time, reduced social and moral control are important for psychological analysis. A wide range of applications opens up opportunities for considering the game as a unique virtual environment that can be used in psychological and pedagogical practice.