What is the difference between professional driving simulators and gaming driving simulators?

It seems like video games get more realistic every year, with fantastic visuals, immersive surround sound audio effects and incredible attention to detail. As a result, serious gamers and casual enthusiasts alike have developed a high expectation for game developers to continuously push the boundaries of realism.

Given this high standard from gamers and the popularity of driving simulator games, it raises an interesting question: What is the difference between gaming driving simulators and professional driving simulators?

We’ll take a look at the features, technology and purpose behind video games and professional driving simulators to shed light on the key differences.

Overview of gaming driving simulators

A gaming driving simulator combines hardware and software designed to provide an entertaining, realistic gaming experience. Numerous video game developers create the software, so the look, feel and unique details of simulator games are diverse. But they all share one thing: The purpose of gaming driving simulators is entertainment.

Most gaming driving simulators aim at realism, where the top game developers always raise the bar to provide an immersive experience with each new release.  At the same time, gaming platform hardware continues to become more powerful, supporting the advances in game development. 

Key features of gaming driving simulators

Video game driving simulators from different developers can vary in appearance, features and content, but generally, they share the following characteristics:

• High-end graphics: Popular gaming driving simulators are all about immersion. Details include a focus on realistic shadows on objects, lighting, reflective surfaces and materials and even atmospheric effects like weather, all aimed at giving the player a sense of being in the moment.
• Physics: Video games use special software elements called physics engines, which add to a simulator’s realism by recreating the effects of gravity and inertia, like leaning into curves, running over bumps in the road and collisions.
• Accessibility and user-friendliness: Game developers rely on large beta testing groups to give feedback about features and playability to ensure games are fun. This includes making sure controls and scrolling through menus are smooth and seamless.
• Hardware: Gaming driving simulators can be played using a PC keyboard and mouse or the gaming platform’s standard controller, but what really unleashes the immersive experience is the add-on hardware gamers can buy specifically for simulated driving experiences. 

Gaming hardware for driving simulators runs the entire spectrum, from table-top steering wheels and pedals placed on the floor for under $100 and more expensive stand-alone wheels that offer a greater sense of realism, all the way up to systems that cost more than some real cars, designed with a high-end computer, monitors, an advanced chair and mechanics for the ultimate gaming experience. Hardware also includes virtual reality (VR) headset alternatives that replace monitors for an even more immersive experience.

Examples of popular gaming driving simulators

There are different categories of driving simulator games. The most popular kind of driving simulator video game is sim racing, or games focused on realistic racing experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular driving simulator games:

The most realistic driving simulator games

The following are some examples of the most realistic top-selling driving simulator games.

• Assetto Corsa Competizione: This is a franchise of ultra-realistic GT-series races on real-world tracks.
• Automobilista: This racing simulator series focuses on Brazilian Stock Car V8, Copa Petrobras de Marcas, Formula 3 Brasil and Mitsubishi Lancer Cup races.
• Dirt Rally 2.0: This is the latest in a series of realistic off-road racing simulators, taking place on multiple rugged terrains.

Arcade-style racing simulator games

• Need for Speed: The Need for Speed racing series is one of the most popular game series in any genre. While it is a simulator emphasizing immersive experiences and realism, it represents an entire genre of racing simulators focused on an arcade-style approach to simulation. Realism often takes a back seat to over-the-top experiences while remaining focused on believable driving and atmospheres.

Skill-based gaming driving simulators

• American Truck Simulator: This series offers the experience of driving an 18-wheeler across the US, including learning to manage cargo, load, unload and more. It also focuses on the business aspect of trucking.
• Euro Truck Simulator: This series offers a similar trucking experience across 33 European countries.
• Bus Simulator: The Bus Simulator series lets gamers drive a fleet of different buses across the US and Europe, experiencing weather, traffic and passenger scenarios to keep players entertained.

Overview of professional driving simulators

Professional driving simulators are advanced software and hardware systems that replicate real-world driving experiences. They realistically train drivers for beginner, intermediate and advanced career skill sets. They’re also used in research and development (R&D) to develop new vehicle designs, test new features and invent new technologies.

Professional driving simulators are designed to replicate the real-world experience of driving various types of vehicles, including commercial trucks, fire trucks, police cars, emergency vehicles and more. They are used in training and skill development for:

• Professional drivers: Commercial truck drivers, ambulance drivers, bus drivers and those of numerous other professions train on simulators to enhance their skills under real-world scenarios. 
• Military personnel: Simulators are used for tactical and operational maneuvers on different terrains and under different realistic military conditions.
• Law enforcement: Police officers and other law enforcement professionals are trained in high-risk driving maneuvers, pursuits, PIT maneuvers, defensive driving, emergency response and more.
• R&D: Professional driving simulators are used to study driver behavior, safety and vehicle dynamics under various conditions for studies on accident prevention, reaction times and more.

The key features of professional gaming driving simulators

Professional driving simulators are equipped with several key features that make them highly effective for training and skill development.

Advanced physics

Professional driving simulators replicate the unique handling of different vehicles and how they accelerate and brake while offering real-time feedback for tire blowouts, balancing sensitive carrying loads and other real-life conditions.

High-fidelity hardware

Top-of-the-line driving simulators are equipped with advanced motion platforms that provide:

• Vibrations and tilting
• Force-load steering
• Realistic brake, clutch and accelerator pedals
• Customizable control interfaces that replicate different vehicles 
• Gear shifters

Environmental modeling

Professional driving simulators offer the most advanced weather condition emulations and surrounding elements like:

• Rain
• Snow and Ice
• Fog
• Urban, rural and mountainous terrains
• Various traffic conditions
• Road materials and conditions
• Roadblocks
• Interactions with other vehicles

Customization

Advanced professional driving simulators like those offered by Driver Training Solutions allow trainers to create unique scenarios in addition to predefined vehicle configurations and scenarios. This can include:

• Safety courses
• Advanced maneuvers
• Defensive driving
• Emergency response

Settings can be configured for virtually any scenario, vehicle configuration and occupational difficulty level.

The role of professional simulators in critical training

Professional driving simulators offer a safe, controlled environment for critical skills training. They provide a low-risk means to practice high-risk maneuvers like emergency braking, recognizing hazards, evading collisions, driving with an unruly patient and similar scenarios.

Examples of professional driving simulators

Driver Training Solutions provides a world-class range of professional driving simulators that represent what can be accomplished with this technology.

• TranSim™ driving simulator: Replicates a commercial vehicle driving compartment that reacts with physical and functional accuracy. Adjust the size, weight, turning radius, tire, suspension and payload characteristics for each simulated vehicle. It uses the Real-Drive Motion™ Platform, the most realistic 3DOF driving motion system and other best-in-class elements. The instructor operator station (IOS) provides effective management of training objectives, scenarios and lesson plans, and the Scenario Builder Tool lets users customize scenarios for every skill and situation.
• PatrolSim™ 8 Law enforcement driving simulator: Provides training and assessments through over 125 law enforcement scenarios, including DUI, PIT maneuvers, patrol and pursuit. The realistic Police Cruiser cab features authentic controls and SimuCube force-loaded steering for real-time feedback. 
• DeliverySim™ heavy truck driving simulator: Designed for fleet driver training, this simulator trains operators of passenger shuttles, transit vehicles, utility vans and service vehicles to build situational awareness and driving skills in a risk-free environment. With high-fidelity visuals, a touchscreen interface and a reconfigurable Glass Dash, it allows for all the same scenarios and weather conditions as our other Driving Training Solutions simulators. 
• FireSim™ driving simulator: Replicates emergency vehicle compartments to train cadets and current operators of fire trucks, EMT vehicles and hazmat response units. It supports driver assessments, collision avoidance training and scenario-based learning for medical, fire and hazmat emergencies. The simulator uses force-loaded steering for real-time feedback, interchangeable driving stations, realistic vehicle controls and a combination of classroom, computer-based and interactive simulation.
• Compact Airside-Pushback™ driving simulator: Trains ground support operators to safely handle equipment like towbarless push-back tractors, baggage conveyors and water trucks. It replicates aircraft pushback and towing, supports various ground handling vehicles and locations and includes a customizable database for airport or gate layouts. 

What are the key differences between gaming and professional driving simulators

Professional driving simulators are highly advanced, programmable and made with rugged materials designed for constant use. Gaming driving simulators can range from inexpensive beginner-level hardware with the most basic features to advanced systems that rival the features of professional simulators. 

The greatest defining difference between the two types of simulators is in their purpose and application: Gaming simulators aim to entertain, while professional systems are designed for specific real-world applications to train individuals to possess the skills required out in the field. The purpose of training using professional simulators is so people can take that training and apply it to real-world situations.

Driver Training Solutions: experience the most advanced professional driving simulators

Learn more about the Driver Training Solutions line of driving simulators and how they can help you train your workforce at every stage of development, from beginner skill sets all the way up to customized advanced training.