Games: Does simple mean better?

From Wendy Wickham I found this post featuring a discussion with Professor Daniel Gopher on the fact that more realistic simulations may not necessarily be more effecitve for training.

"The need for physical fidelity is not based on research..."

"...a simple environment may be better in that it does not create the illusion of reality."

Simulations can be very expensive and complex, sometimes even costing as much as the real thing, which limits the access to training. Not only that, but the whole effort may be futile, given that some important features can not be replicated, and even result in negative transfer, because learners pick up on specific training features or sensations that do not exist in the real situation.