Rizwan (“Riz”) Virk is a successful entrepreneur, investor, futurist, bestselling author, video game industry pioneer, and indie film producer.

In his book “The Simulation Hypothesis”, he uses the evolution of video games, particularly MMORPGs, as a framework to understand this idea, highlighting how the increasing complexity of games mirrors the development of our own reality.

The book also examines the implications of this hypothesis on quantum physics, consciousness, and religious concepts, proposing that the simulation could offer explanations for phenomena like synchronicity, déjà vu, and UFO sightings.

Bernard Haisch, argues that this concept of universe being a vast, consciousness-created virtual reality simulation aligns with certain mysteries in quantum physics, such as the behavior of photons in experiments like the two-slit experiment, which defy explanation through traditional physical laws.

Haisch presents the idea that these phenomena could be readily explained if the laws of nature were software algorithms rather than hardwired physical laws. He cites support from prominent figures like Sir James Jeans and Sir Arthur Eddington who believed consciousness plays a fundamental role in reality. The article concludes by examining the possibility of a digital reality, similar to the virtual world "Second Life," and proposes that this concept can help explain the origin of space, time, and the universe itself.

“Zombies in the Basement? Ghosts in the Floorboards?” explores the relationship between the "hard problem of consciousness" and the "simulation argument" by examining four possible views on their connection.

The author analyzes both substrate-dependent and substrate-independent views, suggesting that consciousness may be possible only outside of, inside and/or outside of, inside of, or interfacing with simulations.

The author argues that these views, while not proven true, are plausible and, therefore, should neutralize our belief about whether or not we are living in a simulation.

The text concludes that consciousness, by itself, does not provide evidence for or against the simulation hypothesis.