Video Games Encyclopedia

Some artificial life games allow players to manage a population of creatures over several generations, and try to achieve goals for the population as a whole.These games have been called genetic artificial life games,or biological simulations. Players are able to crossbreed creatures, which have a set of genes or descriptors that define the creature’s characteristics. Some games also introduce mutations due to random or environmental factors, which can benefit the population as creatures reproduce. These creatures typically have a short life-span. Players are able to watch forces of natural selection shape their population, but can also interact with the population by breeding certain individuals together, by modifying the environment, or by introducing new creatures from their design.
Another group of biological simulation games seek to simulate the life of an individual animal whose role the player assumes (rather than simulating an entire ecosystem controlled by the player).
In addition, a large number of games have loose biological or evolutionary themes but don’t attempt to reflect closely the reality of either biology or evolution: these include, within the “God game” variety, and within the arcade/RPG variety, a multitude of entertainment software products.