Playing God, or Playing at Something Else?

I’ve been playing a few of what many refer to as “god-games,” these days. They tend to be strategy/simulation games in which you direct the outcome of a civilization or an individual through various systems and triggers. Of course, the two main games I’ve been playing are The Sims and Civilization 4, quite possibly the two most extreme poles on the god-game plane that exist. In Civ 4, I find myself in a race to establish religion in stages, not because of the nature of of the religion or because it contains elements of truth, but because it progresses my civilization further. In Sims, on the other hand, I find myself trying desperately to make good, healthy choices for my individual Sim (whom I have designed and named after myself). The Sim may delay, but he pretty much never refuses my guidance, though I may choose to withdraw my guidance altogether and see what he does with himself.

The most profound discovery I’ve made playing these two games is the difference of purpose that occurs when you move from an individual level to a national level of control and power. When I control one Sim, I care deeply about him, but when I control entire nations I use them, exploit them, and throw them into harm’s way for “the greater good.” I am a virtual dictator.

I don’t think this has anything to do with playing God, but it’s fascinating nonetheless. Anyone else have profound or insightful experiences while playing these games? Do they represent what it’s like to be God in any real way?