The difference between a game and a simulation is that in a game there is some sort of competition with a winning condition. The purpose of the simulation is for the player or players to explore the environment and/or system. For example, in a flight simulator, the overall goal is for the person to learn to fly by exploring, in a safe environment, the different variables and tools for flying. When using educational training games, as opposed to simulations, the winning condition should be clear and achievable.
Many games, including educational training games, are zero-sum (for there to be a winner, there must be a loser or losers). The problem with zero-sum games in education is that the players who lose the game may actually have learned a great deal while playing. When they lose, these players can become frustrated because of their lack of recognition. Therefore, choose or create a game that allows multiple winners based on the educational goal of the game.
Video and computer games seem to get the most attention; however, there may be other types of games more appropriate for your training session. Live-action role-playing games are frequently used in corporate and military settings for realism and complexity. Live-action games can be far more complex than a computer, particularly with social situations. Additionally, video and computer games are relatively static, in that they only teach what they are programed to teach. This may be acceptable for specific educational settings, such as teaching algebra, but may cause problems if you try to use the game for a variety of purposes.
The term "model progression" refers to the development of the difficulty of the educational training game. Games that are too easy will bore the players; games that are too difficult will frustrate the players. Model progression means starting out simple at the beginning of the game, and gradually becoming more complex as the game continues. To use the flight simulator example again, for beginners the simulator might exclude variables like crosswinds, sun glare, storms, fog and other factors that may confuse beginners until the player is ready for more complexity.