I'm sure the first time the real flight simulators were designed they were described as "games" Simulation has proven to be the most effective method of training, it's been used by pilots and Air traffic controllers. Instrument ratings were only done in real airplanes in the past......this is not necessary any more, and it's with this thinking outside the box that made people accept simulation and eventually state of the art simulators were built.
Don't get me wrong, flight dispatch and fuel uplift calculations are a very serious aspect of aviation, simulators are being used by pilots, air traffic controllers and spacemen alike, I think it wouldn't hurt to have a similar facility for dispatchers at the initial college level regulated of course by civil aviation authorities.
I will prove this is possible, viable, and we will have better dispatchers the world around.
Clearly I see it will not be easy but hopefully after a heated debate a good path will be drawn in the direction of virtual Dispatch to enhance dispatcher initial training at college level.