EXCLUSIVE: Rizwan Virk Comes Clean About Simulation Theory

Have you ever wondered if the world around you is actually real—or if it's all just pixels and code, like in the blockbuster movie The Matrix? Simulation theory has become more popular than ever, and in today's blog post, we're diving into a fascinating interview with Rizwan Virk, an expert on the topic, as discussed by Patrick from Vetted. If you've found yourself questioning whether life is more like a video game than old-school reality, you’re in the right place.

The Allure of Simulation Theory: Why It Captivates Us

Simulation theory isn't just a wild idea plucked from science fiction. It’s a concept that resonates with our increasingly digital lives, where so much of our experience is mediated through screens, avatars, and virtual worlds. Rizwan Virk, author of the newly revamped "The Simulation Hypothesis," explores how recent leaps in AI and VR technology are making this idea seem even more plausible. As Patrick highlighted in his interview, Virk isn’t just revisiting the theory—he’s updating it in the context of today’s tech trends and even linking it to interpretations of religious texts.

What exactly is simulation theory? At its core, it’s the idea that our reality could be a sophisticated digital simulation, similar to a hyper-realistic video game. But the theory goes deeper—are we simply characters running on code, or is there a conscious entity controlling each one of us from outside the simulation? Virk discusses two versions: the NPC theory (non-player characters, just code) and the RPG theory (a real person playing a character in the simulation). Like many of us, he leans toward the latter but remains refreshingly open-minded about the mysteries of consciousness and existence.

How Do You Explain a Simulation? Metaphors and Modern Myths

One question Patrick posed to Rizwan was: how would you explain simulation theory without words? Rizwan laughed and said he’d probably draw a virtual reality headset, since art isn’t his strong suit. But this opens an interesting avenue—how do we communicate such profound, complex theories to people unfamiliar with them? As Rizwan points out, metaphors from pop culture—like The Matrix’s iconic green code or scenes from modern video games—help bridge the gap.

Centuries ago, myths and parables helped people grasp intangible concepts. Today, we turn to movies like The Matrix, TV shows, or even references from popular games, because they tap into a shared cultural understanding. Stories about Hercules have given way to archetypes like Darth Vader or the Starship Enterprise, but the underlying human quest for meaning hasn't changed. By relating simulation theory to images and narratives we all recognize, the idea becomes more accessible and less abstract.

Psionics, UFOs, and Consciousness: Are We All Connected?

The conversation gets even more intriguing as Patrick and Rizwan explore the connection between simulation theory and UFO encounters, particularly in the realm of psionics—the idea of communicating telepathically or psychically. Rizwan reminisces about his first exposure to psionics from the old Dungeons & Dragons games, where "psionic blasts" disabled opponents. But in the context of UFOs, especially so-called "close encounters of the fifth kind," psionics refers to individuals attempting to connect with non-human intelligences (NHIs) using nothing but their minds.

Rizwan speculates that if our world is a simulation, mental communication could function similar to private messages or group chats in online games. Picture each consciousness as a player sending a message through the system, possibly reaching entities—or players—outside of our everyday perception. This elegantly weaves together tales of telepathy, encounters with UFOs, and even ancient stories of beings like the jinn, who exist alongside us in hidden dimensions.

Materializing UFOs and Variable Reality: Are We Each Seeing a Different Game?

A particularly mind-bending aspect of the interview is the discussion of how sightings of UFOs often vary between observers—even those standing side by side. One person might see a ship; another, nothing at all. Rizwan links this to the way video games are rendered: different players see slightly different versions of the gameworld, all supplied by the same underlying data but processed on their own devices. Our simulation, it turns out, might work the same way—reality is rendered uniquely for each observer.

He shares stories from other researchers, where two people witnessed different shapes in the sky at the same time, or one saw something the other didn’t see at all. In the simulation hypothesis, this makes sense: the server (or greater reality) sends individualized data to each consciousness. If UFOs exist in another dimension or reality that overlays our own, it’s entirely possible that what—and even if—we see depends on our individual "settings" or interactions. This could explain why some people experience the extraordinary while others remain blissfully unaware.

Aliens, Avatars, and Ancient Stories: Reinterpreting Reality

If simulation theory is correct, then maybe what we know as aliens or unexplained phenomena are simply avatars or data packets visiting our "game server." Rizwan points out that in traditions around the world, different cultures describe enigmatic beings using whatever technology or mythology was available to them. Ancient witnesses spoke of chariots and fiery horses; today, we might interpret the same phenomenon as alien craft or energy orbs. It’s all data—the appearance changes, but the underlying strangeness remains.

So, are we alone? Or are we sharing this simulation with other conscious entities, some of whom are just better at sliding between dimensions? The answer, Rizwan humbly admits, is that nobody really knows. The real beauty is the journey of curiosity, exploration, and willingness to entertain multiple explanations. In his words, it’s not about finding the answer but about expanding the way we ask the questions.

Takeaway: Keep Questioning and Stay Curious

As Patrick wraps up his interview, he reminds viewers—and us—that reality may be stranger than fiction. Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just someone who loves big ideas, the simulation hypothesis is more than just a mind game: it’s an invitation to keep questioning the world around us. Next time you catch yourself staring at the stars on a clear night, ask yourself: what is real? What unseen data, entities, or mysteries are just out of your line of sight?

If this blog post piqued your interest, be sure to check out Rizwan Virk’s new book, "The Simulation Hypothesis" (2025 edition), for the latest thinking on AI, VR, and the connection between ancient myths and modern mysteries. And if you want to catch the full uncut interview, consider joining Vetted’s Patreon or YouTube channel for exclusive content.

At the end of the day, reality is what we make of it. So stay curious, be open-minded, and remember: every day is a gift. The next strange light in the sky—or odd glitch in your own life—might just be a little hint from the simulation.