About In a Lifetime

In a Lifetime is a dynamic and powerful computerized simulation game that allows players to live out the life of a character from age 15 through late adulthood. The game can be played by an individual, but also lends itself well to cooperative play in which several players collaborate to make decisions for a character. The simulation is rich in its portrayal of life. Players must deal with and make decisions for issues such as family dynamics, dating, peers, values, school, college, parenting, psychological and physical health, issues of young adulthood, mid-life and late life, careers, retirement, prejudice, life plans, and more.

Within this framework there is great variation. A character’s starting family can range from privileged to low socioeconomic status. Some families have good dynamics and others are quite the opposite. The game provides procedures for generating (random via the simulation and/or created by the player) an unlimited number of characters, each with his or her own strengths, weaknesses, and distinctive features. Players can play the game multiple times to experience a range of scenarios. It is also possible to replay the life of a given character to see how differing choices produce differing outcomes. Players can even construct a character resembling themselves and explore a simulated trial of their own future.

Every turn of the game represents a number of years. Throughout the game, the character’s life evolves based on the effects and outcomes of earlier choices. In all cases, players must make a host of decisions regarding how they will spend the effort tokens they have available and which of the challenges they face they will prioritize. Players also make major decisions such as if and who they will marry (each potential spouse has their own personality and traits that can impact the game), when and if they will have children, which career they will pursue, when they will retire, etc. On occasion, players will be confronted with critical incidents requiring them to make a choice related to a random but important development in their life. Players are encouraged to make a life plan to consistently evaluate and revise as their life unfolds.

At the conclusion of the simulation, a life evaluation is provided for the character portrayed in the game. Players are also prompted to conduct their own evaluation of how their life went and to justify their conclusions. This self-evaluation is assisted by a detailed record (provided by the simulation) of their turn-by-turn choices and the results stemming from them. This tool enables players to understand in detail the impact their decisions had on the outcomes of their life. Many participants find it easy and enlightening to draw parallels between their character’s life and their own. Conversely, by playing characters very unlike themselves, players can develop a personal and meaningful understanding of those in different life situations.

In a Lifetime was designed by Dr. Robert H. Williams, a psychologist, educator, and leading theorist on simulation design for modifying attitudes and behavior. The game is realistic, and equally important, it is fun! It is an accessible and engaging experience that players want to play again. The simulation is computerized and is well-suited for online and in person use. The active nature of the simulation and the interest it generates is valuable for fostering player interest and involvement. In a Lifetime helps players transfer the insights of the game into their personal lives and in doing so, to learn the skills and power of making better choices.