The research explores Architecting through Video Games and, specifically through the latest title of The Sims franchise. As generations grow up with video games, the way gaming influences and shapes the individual has become a subject of great importance. Simulating architecture is a reasonable mean of experimentation and education, since the gamification of the constructing tools and the possibilities of the virtual editing are simplifying the building process, even for non-specialized on subject players.

The Sims is a video game franchise, in which the player becomes architect. Over time, it has evolved both visually and functionally, while in addition The Sim 4 has introduced a new mechanism to the game, the concept of identity. Identity is projected through the careful studied and detailed design, as well as the personality and character development for both the virtual person and residence. The research analyzes the ways in which identity has an impact on design, as the simulation of the design process realism is thus perceived.

The game deals with architectural concepts and conveys them to the player, during the construction process. Thus, through the study of its mechanisms, common places are found in the virtual architectural design and in reality, but also important deviations. The rules and the gamification of the construction tools prevent the development of realistic mechanisms, resulting in insufficient provision of information. Therefore, the game is a suitable teaching tool on architecture, as long as the player realizes its inadequacy on some important areas. The architectural approach in the game, as in reality, is based on influences and rules. Although the rules in these two cases differ, the resulting products are defined as architectural works. Consequently, a new kind of architect rises this way, the virtual one.