Are You an NPC? Simulation Theory – Fact or Fiction?
The Parent Q&A Sheet for Are You an NPC? Simulation Theory – Fact or Fiction is designed to help parents and carers explore this exciting and unusual topic with their children. Simulation theory asks a huge question—what if our reality isn’t real at all, but part of a computer program? It may sound like science fiction, but it’s something that serious scientists and thinkers have considered.
This Q&A guide covers the basics of simulation theory, what NPCs are (non-player characters), and how video games and science can help us think about reality in new ways. It offers clear, easy-to-follow explanations so parents can feel confident discussing these ideas with their children—even if the topic feels new or unfamiliar.
Ideal for Elective Home Education, this guide helps parents steer conversations, answer big questions, and encourage critical thinking. You’ll also find creative discussion prompts and imaginative tasks to help your learner connect what they’ve read with their own ideas. Whether your child is interested in gaming, science, or philosophy, this resource offers an engaging way to explore reality, identity, and possibility—all from the comfort of your home.
This topic is part of our Info Zone collection. You can read the full topic, once logged in, here: Are You an NPC? Simulation Theory Fact or Fiction
You’ll also find a full Lesson Plan and a handy Parent Q & A sheet, for this topic, ready to use..
| Are You an NPC? Simulation Theory – Fact or Fiction | |
|---|---|
| Tip for Parents | Use these questions to help guide a conversation with your child. Let them explain ideas in their own words and share what they think. There's no need for strict answers—this topic is all about exploring big ideas and having fun with thinking. |
| 1. What does “NPC” mean? | It stands for “Non-Player Character.” In video games, an NPC is a character that the player doesn’t control. They often repeat the same actions or speech, and don’t think for themselves. Some people use the term to describe people who seem to follow life without much thought or awareness. |
| 2. What is simulation theory? | Simulation theory is the idea that the universe and everything in it—including us—might be part of a giant, advanced computer program, like a simulation or video game. |
| 3. Who came up with the idea? | The idea became popular through philosopher Nick Bostrom, who suggested that if it’s possible to simulate life, then it's likely we're living in one of those simulations rather than in the original world. |
| 4. Why do people believe we might be in a simulation? | Because technology is advancing so fast that we can already simulate simple worlds. Some believe that if a civilisation becomes advanced enough, they might create realistic simulations with conscious beings inside. We could be one of those simulations without knowing it. |
| 5. Does Elon Musk believe in this theory? | Yes, Elon Musk said there’s only a “one in billions” chance that we’re living in “base reality.” He believes it's far more likely that we're in a simulation created by future technology. |
| 6. What do scientists say about simulation theory? | Opinions vary. Some scientists find it an interesting idea, but most say there is no solid evidence to prove it. Some, like Neil deGrasse Tyson, think it’s possible, while others believe it's unlikely or impossible to test. |
| 7. Can we prove whether we are in a simulation? | Not at the moment. Some researchers have tried to find clues, like patterns in physics that resemble code, but no evidence has proven that we’re inside a simulation. |
| 8. What are some “glitches” people think show it’s true? | Some people point to strange things like déjà vu, repeating numbers, or weird coincidences as signs that something isn’t right. But scientists say these are usually brain tricks or chance patterns, not actual glitches. |
| 9. What is déjà vu? | Déjà vu is the feeling that you’ve experienced something before, even if you haven’t. Some people think it's a glitch in the brain, while others joke that it’s a glitch in the simulation. |
| 10. What would it mean if we were in a simulation? | It could mean that the world around us isn’t “real” in the way we think. But it doesn’t change how we feel, think, or behave. Our experiences would still matter. |
| 11. Why is this topic useful for learning? | It helps develop thinking skills. It encourages asking questions, considering evidence, and forming opinions. It also links to science, technology, philosophy (the study of ideas), and even ethics (what’s right or wrong). |
| 12. What’s the link between simulation theory and video games? | Video games simulate worlds where characters, environments, and actions are programmed. Simulation theory suggests our world might work the same way, only on a much bigger and more complex scale. |
| 13. What does “base reality” mean? | “Base reality” is what we’d call the real, original universe—if one exists outside the simulation. If we are simulated, the world outside would be the base reality. |
| 14. Can simulation theory be harmful to think about? | It can feel unsettling, but for most learners, it’s just an idea to explore. It’s important to remind children that whether life is simulated or not, what they feel and do still matters. |
| 15. What’s the point of thinking about something we can’t prove? | Philosophy often explores ideas that can’t be proven. It helps us think deeply, look at the world differently, and question what we know. It can also help us understand our own minds and choices better. |
| 16. How do I explain this to a younger child? | You could compare life to a very detailed video game where everything feels real to the characters. Let them ask questions and use games they already know to explain the idea simply. |
| 17. Is simulation theory science or science fiction? | It’s a bit of both. The idea is popular in science fiction, but some scientists and philosophers do take it seriously. Still, it's not yet considered proven science. |
| 18. What’s a philosopher? | A philosopher is someone who asks big questions about life, reality, truth, and how we think. They don’t always give answers but help people think in new ways. |
| 19. What if my child becomes obsessed with this idea? | Reassure them that many smart people enjoy thinking about big questions, and it’s okay to wonder. If they seem anxious, remind them that their life and choices still matter—real or not. Focus on how they feel and what makes life meaningful. |
| 20. Does believing in simulation theory mean I’m weird? | No. Thinking about new or unusual ideas shows curiosity and imagination. Many great thinkers ask questions others don’t. Being curious is a strength. |
| Creative Thinking Tasks |
|