11 Powerful Tools to Design Custom eLearning Simulation
- Joshita Thimmaiah
- Oct 17
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 4
What are eLearning Simulation Tools and Why They Matter
In today’s landscape of learning and development, elearning simulation is no longer an optional add-on. It has become the backbone of how organizations design training programs that actually stick. By replicating workplace decisions, workflows, and scenarios, simulations give learners a safe space to experiment. They can make mistakes, try new approaches, and gradually build confidence without real-world risks.
Pair simulations with analytics, mobile compatibility, and seamless LMS integration, and they evolve from “interesting extras” into essential digital learning strategies. Organizations now use them for onboarding, compliance, leadership development, technical training, and even soft skills. Some resemble simple software walkthroughs, while others resemble branching scenarios or immersive 3D environments.
Discover how simulation-based learning is elevating corporate training experiences.
11 Tools to Build Custom eLearning Solutions with Simulations
Adobe Captivate
Overview and Features
Adobe Captivate is often the first name mentioned in software simulation training tools. It allows recording of real processes and provides demo, guided practice, and test modes. Its responsive publishing ensures smooth delivery across desktop and mobile.
Use Cases
Captivate is widely used for compliance modules, onboarding workflows, and elearning simulation examples. Distributed teams benefit from their ability to deliver consistent content across devices.
Pricing and Reviews
$33/month per user (subscription)
Free 30-day trial
Ratings: 4.0/5 (G2), 4.2/5 (Capterra)
To explore different types of eLearning scenarios, check out our Thinkdom blog post on custom eLearning solutions with simulations that truly work.
Articulate Storyline 360
Overview and Features
Articulate Storyline 360 is a popular authoring tool for creating interactive eLearning courses and realistic simulations. It enables designers to create branching scenarios, drag-and-drop interactions, and animated sequences that accurately reflect real-world workplace situations. Its timeline-based interface provides precise control over content flow, while its built-in asset library helps accelerate development. Storyline 360 supports HTML5, integrates easily with most LMSs, and includes assessment tools to capture learner decisions and performance.
Use Cases
Often used in leadership development, it helps employees practice decision-making in realistic workplace contexts such as performance management, conflict resolution, and customer interaction. Organizations also use it for compliance training and role-based simulations, where learners can navigate complex workflows and receive instant feedback on their decisions.
Pricing and Reviews
$1,099/year per user
Free 30-day trial
Ratings: 4.5/5 (G2), 4.6/5 (Capterra)
iSpring Suite
Overview and Features
iSpring Suite integrates with PowerPoint, making it easy to turn slide decks into interactive eLearning simulations with quizzes, dialogue, and video.
Benefits and Use Cases
Perfect for organizations needing quick turnaround times, iSpring helps produce elearning simulation without starting from scratch. It is SCORM/xAPI compatible for smooth LMS integration.
Pricing and Reviews
$770/year
Free 14-day trial
Ratings: 4.6/5 (G2), 4.7/5 (Capterra)
Elucidat
Overview and Features
Elucidat is a cloud-based authoring platform built for scale and collaboration, making it an ideal custom elearning simulation tool for global organizations with diverse learning audiences. Beyond simple course creation, it supports interactive branching scenarios, adaptive learning paths, and immersive eLearning simulations that replicate real-world challenges. Teams can collaborate in real time, ensuring consistency and quality across modules, while built-in analytics help track learner performance and improve content effectiveness.
Use Cases
Global enterprises favor Elucidat because it delivers consistent, brand-aligned courses while allowing local adaptation. It’s especially effective for leadership and sales simulations where learners engage in scenario-based conversations, make decisions, and receive contextual feedback. Compliance teams use it to create policy simulations that let employees apply rules to realistic workplace situations. Healthcare and retail organizations also leverage Elucidat to build process simulations that train staff on complex procedures safely and efficiently.
Pricing and Reviews
Custom pricing
Free trial on request
Ratings: 4.5/5 (G2), 4.6/5 (Capterra)
VirtualSpeech
Overview and Features
VirtualSpeech specializes in scenario-based sales simulations and soft skills practice. It uses VR to create environments for public speaking, interviews, or leadership communication.
Benefits and Use Cases
This tool is particularly valuable for companies focusing on presentation and leadership development. Learners can rehearse high-stakes interactions while receiving feedback on delivery and tone.
Pricing and Reviews
From $45/month per user
Free trial available
Ratings: 4.6/5 (G2), 4.7/5 (Capterra)
Simformer
Overview and Features
Simformer offers an advanced multiplayer training simulation tools that replicates real-world business environments across strategy, operations, marketing, HR, and finance. It enables organizations to design realistic eLearning simulations where participants manage virtual companies, analyze market dynamics, and make decisions that impact performance indicators. The platform supports both single-player and team-based simulations, making it ideal for leadership development, business acumen training, and enterprise learning initiatives.
Benefits and Use Cases
Widely used in management and leadership programs, Simformer allows participants to test business strategies safely, observe the impact of their decisions, and refine their problem-solving skills. It’s particularly valuable for executive and MBA-style programs that emphasize decision-making, cross-functional thinking, and systems awareness. Corporate L&D teams use Simformer for experiential learning modules in change management, operational excellence, and innovation strategy, helping learners connect theoretical knowledge to real-world outcomes.
Pricing and Reviews
Custom pricing
Free demo available
Ratings: 4.3/5 (G2), 4.5/5 (Capterra)
VTS Editor (Serious Factory)
Overview and Features
VTS Editor helps design custom training simulations with drag-and-drop functionality. Users can build role plays, branching stories, and gamified assessments.
Benefits and Use Cases
Healthcare, sales, and compliance teams often use it to create simulation-based learning solutions without requiring coding expertise.
Pricing and Reviews
Custom pricing
Free demo available
Ratings: 4.4/5 (G2), 4.6/5 (Capterra)
Rise 360 (Part of Articulate 360)
Overview and Features
Rise 360 is a cloud-based, mobile-first authoring tool that prioritizes speed and ease of deployment. While it is designed for rapid course creation, it also supports interactive simulations, scenario-based exercises, and knowledge checks that allow learners to practice real-world decision-making within the course. Its responsive design ensures consistent performance across devices, and it integrates with most LMSs for seamless tracking of learner progress. Rise 360 is ideal for organizations needing fast rollout of standardized training while incorporating practical, hands-on learning experiences.
Use Cases
While not as deep in simulations as Storyline, it excels at rapid deployment of custom e-learning solutions across large teams. Used for onboarding, compliance training, and leadership development, Rise 360 allows learners to engage with interactive scenarios, make decisions in simulated contexts, and receive immediate feedback, helping reinforce learning and boost retention.
Pricing and Reviews
Included in Articulate 360 at $1,099/year
Ratings: 4.7/5 (G2), 4.8/5 (Capterra)
Lectora / Lectora Inspire
Overview and Features
Lectora stands out for accessibility compliance and flexible authoring, making it a strong choice for regulated industries.
Benefits and Use Cases
Heavily used in healthcare and finance, it supports software simulation elearning with multimedia integration and strong reporting.
Pricing and Reviews
$999/year
Free trial available
Ratings: 4.2/5 (G2), 4.5/5 (Capterra)
Camtasia
Overview and Features
Camtasia is designed for video walkthroughs, tutorials, and annotated recordings. While not a full simulation suite, it complements heavier educational simulation software.
Benefits and Use Cases
It is often paired with other tools to produce software training walk-throughs and simulation training examples for technical learning.
Pricing and Reviews
$299 one-time license
Free trial
Ratings: 4.6/5 (G2), 4.7/5 (Capterra)
ChatGPT
Overview and Features
ChatGPT represents the new age of AI-based elearning simulation software. While it does not deliver finished simulations directly, it is widely used to design content structures, create realistic dialogue, and generate scenario-based eLearning paths for multiple learner profiles.
Benefits and Use Cases
Instructional designers can use ChatGPT to draft branching scenarios, write workplace role-play scripts, or build the backbone of scenario-based training video modules. Paired with authoring tools like Captivate or Storyline, it accelerates content creation while keeping material context-rich.
Pricing and Reviews
Free version and paid subscription tiers (ChatGPT Plus at $20/month)
Ratings: 4.7/5 (G2), 4.8/5 (Capterra)
For guidance on applying ChatGPT in interactive elearning simulations, see our Interactivity Levels guide.
Custom eLearning Solutions with Simulations- Key Features to Look for
Interactivity and Branching: Scenarios should allow learners to make meaningful decisions.
Embedded Assessments: Quizzes work best when integrated directly into simulations.
Gamified and Immersive Environments: 360° environments and VR can boost motivation, though they are not always essential.
Analytics and LMS Integration: Tracking outcomes is critical. Explore our AI in L&D blog for insights.
Mobile Responsiveness: Tools must support learning across devices to maximize accessibility.
What the Expert Says
“The next generation of corporate training will be judged not by how much content is produced but by how relevant and actionable it is. Simulation-based programs give learners the chance to apply knowledge in real-world contexts, and that is where real transformation happens.”By participating in realistic simulations, employees do not simply learn- they internalise. They practice, make mistakes safely, and discover insights that they can use immediately. This sense of ownership over the learning process not only creates greater skill advancement but also a stronger mindset. This fosters a culture of growth and innovation.
– Dr. Ananya Krishnan, L&D Strategist
FAQs on eLearning Simulations
1. What are the top learning and development trends supported by simulations?
The most notable learning and development trends include immersive VR practice, AI-driven personalization, and simulation elearning scenarios that link training to measurable outcomes.
2. How do simulations impact the future of learning and development?
They provide safe, interactive elearning simulations where employees can practice without risk. This makes them central to the future of learning and development.
3. Can simulation tools provide industry-specific training?
Yes. For example, Captivate works for software workflows, Simformer supports business strategy, and VirtualSpeech strengthens communication skills.
4. What is the cost of implementing simulation-based eLearning?
Costs vary based on complexity. Entry-level simulation tools like Camtasia are affordable, while VR-heavy platforms demand larger budgets.
5. What are the latest trends in corporate training?
The latest trends in learning and development highlight contextual practice, analytics, and integration of custom elearning solutions into workforce strategy.
If your organization is ready to explore simulation based learning solutions, there is no better time to start. Visit our Scenario-Based Learning page or explore our resources and ebooks for detailed guides.