Literature review · 200 studies; not independent long-term physics verification

File: 6 October 2026 · Source date: August 24, 2026 · arXiv scan

Representative image produced with artificial intelligence; It is not an experimental photograph or observation data.

Question of the new scan

The 2026 scan compares 200 studies published until June 2026 in terms of production, physical simulation and interactive environments. The authors note that world models can provide interaction and control in some tasks; However, he reports that there are gaps in definitions that guarantee the laws of physics, structured state feedback, and long-term reproducible development. Of the 163 application articles reviewed, only six reported an interface that provides access to runtime state.

Image and situation are not the same thing

A fluid video alone does not demonstrate that the model controllably represents the location, cause-effect relationships, and history of objects. In a simulator, it is important not only to see the result, but also to change the initial condition and test the behavior again under the same conditions. Therefore, “looks realistic” and “reliable simulation for research” are separate criteria.

Let's not jump into the universe hypothesis

The fact that we can build a world model with artificial intelligence does not prove that the universe we live in is artificially produced. The first claim is with engineering performance; The second concerns the basis of reality. An analogy can be made between them, but the success of one is not proof of the other.

discussion question

What three characteristics would you require for a digital world to be considered a simulator: physical consistency, access to states, repeatability, long-term memory, or some other criterion? Also write how you will test your choice.

Resources and further reading

From Generation to Simulation: How Far Are World Models from Being True Simulators? ↗
The Existence Project logo: golden infinity icon full of galaxies and human figure walking towards the light.

Özgür Tayboğa

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Established science, active research, and philosophical speculation are clearly separated.