simulatedvirtual
Simulatedvirtual is a term used in discussions of computing and philosophy to denote a class of systems in which virtual environments are generated and experienced inside a broader computational substrate that itself is a simulation. In this sense, the 'virtual' is nested within the 'simulated', creating layered experiences that aim to preserve presence and interactivity while operating under a higher-level simulation engine. The concept emphasizes the decoupling of perception from physical hardware, focusing on how algorithmic processes produce immersive environments that may emulate or exceed real-world experience.
The term is a portmanteau of simulated and virtual and appears in speculative essays, science fiction, and
It builds on virtual reality, real-time rendering, physics engines, procedural generation, and simulation theory. In an
In fiction, it provides a framework for exploring consciousness or agency within simulations. In research, it
Critics point to epistemic and ontological issues, heavy computational costs, and potential risk of deception; practical
Related topics include simulated reality, virtual reality, digital twin, and simulation theory.