Since its inception in 1999, the Simming Prize — formally known as The Prize for Simming and Online Role Playing in Memory of Seth Cotis — has served as a shining testament to the best and brightest within the world of online role-playing. Awarded annually by the Simming League, the prize recognizes the individuals, games, clubs, and organizations whose contributions, creativity, and commitment elevate the art of collaborative storytelling. While the Simming Prize is often compared to prestigious honors like the Nobel Prize, its focus on the virtual universe and the power of imagination makes it a unique symbol of excellence within the community.
As the Simming Prize celebrates its 26th year, let’s look back on the standout winners from 2020 to 2025 — a remarkable group of individuals and organizations whose contributions reflect the enduring passion and creativity at the heart of simming.
2020 Winners
- Kathryn Burke of Theta Fleet – A figure synonymous with leadership, mentorship, and community-building, Kathryn’s work in Theta Fleet has shaped an inclusive environment where new role-players thrive alongside veterans. Her guidance continues to inspire a new generation of simmers to embrace collaboration and creativity.
- Memory Theta – Lauded for its impressive world-building and deep character exploration, Memory Theta offers a rich, immersive role-playing experience that stands as a model for narrative-driven online gaming.
- ‘Souls RPG – This post-apocalyptic role-play broke new ground with its gripping world-building, immersive lore, and strong player interaction. ‘Souls RPG remains a fan-favorite for its captivating scenarios and complex, layered storytelling.
- 5th Fleet – Known for its unwavering inclusivity and player-first philosophy, 5th Fleet remains one of the most engaging and welcoming online clubs, providing a space for diverse narratives and collaborative adventures.
- USF – A unique triumph of chat-based role-play, USF has proven that great storytelling isn’t confined to visuals or audio; through text alone, they create high-stakes narratives and memorable characters.
2021 Winners
- SJet of Canopus Station – An exceptional mentor and role-player, SJet has shaped Canopus Station into a community-driven haven where every player is empowered to shape the universe around them.
- Mudwater PD of Shattered Universe – Combining sharp character-driven plots with science-fiction intrigue, Mudwater PD delivers a thrilling, fast-paced experience that keeps players on their toes while exploring original, high-stakes scenarios.
- Obsidian Fleet – As one of the longest-running and most innovative fleets in the simming world, Obsidian Fleet has consistently offered its players both a rich environment and a space to push the boundaries of imagination.
- Zodiac Fleet – With a vibrant and creative community, Zodiac Fleet excels at offering its players opportunities to stretch their creativity through expertly crafted simulations and engaging events.
- Sim Central – A rising star in the simming community, Sim Central has rapidly established itself as a platform where players can explore diverse genres and find fresh approaches to storytelling, all while keeping the community spirit strong.
2022 Winners
- Ken Gillis of Independence Fleet – A pioneer in the simming world, Ken’s long-running influence spans countless organizations, and his work continues to inspire excellence in both leadership and storytelling.
- DFA Cromwell of Star Trek: Borderlands – A visionary who brought the Star Trek universe to life in new and exciting ways, DFA Cromwell’s creations have welcomed players into immersive, rich universes full of drama, adventure, and unforgettable characters.
- USS Potemkin: To Boldly Roll (Obsidian Fleet) – A groundbreaking sim that combined the excitement of traditional role-play with innovative podcasting, USS Potemkin engages its community through a unique hybrid of storytelling and media.
2023 Winners
- Lunar Veil: A Firefly Tale – A masterstroke in collaborative storytelling, Lunar Veil takes players into a carefully crafted Firefly-inspired universe that allows for deep, original character development and thrilling narratives.
- USS Pandora of Theta Fleet – Recognized for its deep Star Trek narratives, USS Pandora stands out for its smooth pacing, captivating characters, and immersive storytelling that keeps players eagerly anticipating each new chapter.
- Pegasus Fleet – A model of fleet cohesion, Pegasus Fleet continues to exemplify what it means to maintain an engaged and vibrant community while providing diverse, innovative events and activities for players to enjoy.
2024 Winners
- Ametheliana of Star Army – The unsung hero of the Star Army universe, Ametheliana’s behind-the-scenes efforts ensure that events run smoothly, conventions succeed, and the community thrives — all while maintaining a low profile.
- Obsidian Command (Obsidian Fleet) – One of the most prolific and well-respected sims in the community, Obsidian Command exemplifies the blend of structured, rich storytelling and player creativity that defines the best sims.
- RPG Writing – A multi-genre platform that has set a new standard for welcoming, inclusive role-playing, RPG Writing brings together players of all backgrounds and tastes to create and share stories that span universes.
2025 Winners
- Gregory of Pegasus Fleet – A constant guiding force within Pegasus Fleet, Gregory’s leadership and mentorship have inspired countless members, and his active presence at major conventions and events ensures that the fleet remains at the forefront of the simming world.
- USS Hiroshima (Obsidian Fleet) – A long-running gem in the Obsidian Fleet family, USS Hiroshima redefined itself over the years by combining decades of tradition with fresh, innovative storytelling that captures the imagination of new and old players alike.
- Federation Space – As a celebrated bastion of forum-based role-play, Federation Space remains one of the most well-established and successful simming organizations, with a rich, supportive community and a story-driven environment that keeps players coming back year after year.
- USS Firebird (Independence Fleet) – Known for its dynamic characters, inventive plots, and creative world-building, USS Firebird continues to shine as a stellar example of what can be achieved when players work together to craft memorable stories.
- Shadow Fleet – A highly organized, community-centered fleet, Shadow Fleet combines structured gameplay with player autonomy, ensuring that its members feel both supported and empowered to shape their stories.
A Legacy of Excellence and Community
The winners of the Simming Prize from 2020 to 2025 exemplify what it means to be leaders in the world of online role-playing: passion for storytelling, commitment to community, and the desire to foster environments where players can explore new worlds, challenge their creativity, and build lasting connections. Through their dedication and excellence, each laureate has ensured that the legacy of simming will continue to inspire players for generations to come. The future of this vibrant and ever-evolving community looks brighter than ever, with these laureates lighting the way forward.
