Ah, the Simming Prize — the glittering gem of the online role-playing universe, where creativity, dedication, and a little bit of simming magic collide. Officially called The Prize for Simming and Online Role Playing in Memory of Seth Cotis, this prestigious honor has been lighting up the virtual cosmos since 1999. Every year, it recognizes the folks, clubs, and games who go above and beyond in keeping our beloved hobby alive, thriving, and full of intrigue. Think of it as the Nobel Prize of role-playing, but with more warp cores, starships, and entirely too many dramatic character arcs.
The past six years have been nothing short of spectacular, and we couldn’t resist taking a moment to celebrate the winners from 2020 through 2025. Buckle up, role-players — here’s a whirlwind tour of the laurel-wearers, the lore-masters, and the legends who keep our stories alive.
2020 Winners
- Kathryn Burke of Theta Fleet – The guiding light of Theta Fleet, Kathryn has decades of experience leading, mentoring, and inspiring new simmers. She knows exactly when to step up and when to lift others — sometimes doing both simultaneously!
- Memory Theta – A classic online role-play that feels like stepping into a fully realized universe, where every character has depth and every story leaves a mark. Truly a home for immersive storytelling.
- ‘Souls RPG – Post-apocalyptic worlds done right. ‘Souls RPG hooked players with its gripping setting, creative challenges, and community-driven plots. If you wanted edge-of-your-seat simming, this was the place.
- 5th Fleet – Inclusion, engagement, and pure sim joy. 5th Fleet is a vibrant hub where everyone finds a role and a story that fits.
- USF – Masters of chat-based simming, USF has proven that even text boxes can house epic adventures. Their culture and camaraderie make every session feel like a mini-legend.
2021 Winners
- SJet of Canopus Station – A beacon of positivity and mentorship, SJet constantly uplifts players, ensuring that creativity and fun remain the top priorities.
- Mudwater PD of Shattered Universe – Sci-fi storytelling done with finesse. Mudwater PD’s original universe combines intrigue, depth, and a touch of chaos that keeps everyone on their toes.
- Obsidian Fleet – Long-standing excellence in fleet management and storytelling. Obsidian Fleet is a prime example of a club that thrives on community energy and innovative plots.
- Zodiac Fleet – A club where engagement and creativity are standard operating procedure. Their events and simulations are always eagerly anticipated by members.
- Sim Central – The new kid on the block who immediately set the bar high. Flexible, genre-spanning, and player-centered, Sim Central proves that fresh perspectives can thrive alongside legacy sims.
2022 Winners
- Ken Gillis of Independence Fleet – A veteran whose contributions span decades, Ken has left an indelible mark on the simming community, mentoring countless players and guiding multiple organizations.
- DFA Cromwell of Star Trek: Borderlands – Creator of an inviting, immersive sim where every corner of the universe feels alive. DFA Cromwell has a knack for turning space opera into collaborative art.
- USS Potemkin: To Boldly Roll (Obsidian Fleet) – Storytelling meets podcasting in this innovative sim, merging traditional role-play with audio narratives that engage the community in entirely new ways.
2023 Winners
- Lunar Veil: A Firefly Tale – A masterclass in collaborative storytelling, balancing fan homage with original character arcs. Lunar Veil makes players feel like part of something larger than themselves.
- USS Pandora of Theta Fleet – Star Trek narratives done right: deep plots, strong pacing, and memorable characters that keep everyone eagerly awaiting the next post.
- Pegasus Fleet – The organizational rock of simming, Pegasus Fleet balances internal cohesion with community engagement, setting a model example for all clubs.
2024 Winners
- Ametheliana of Star Army – Behind-the-scenes wizardry at its finest. Ametheliana ensures events and conventions run smoothly, often without ever stepping into the spotlight, but leaving an undeniable impact.
- Obsidian Command (Obsidian Fleet) – A prolific sim with multiple awards, Obsidian Command’s games combine structured storytelling with room for player creativity — a true template for excellence.
- RPG Writing – Creating a welcoming, multi-genre environment is no small feat, but RPG Writing excels at it, giving players a sandbox where imagination knows no bounds.
2025 Winners
- Gregory of Pegasus Fleet – Ever-present, always helpful, and incredibly insightful. Gregory hosts events, fosters discussion, and inspires players to elevate their craft — all while keeping the fun alive.
- USS Hiroshima (Obsidian Fleet) – A veteran sim reinvented with brilliant collaboration, blending legacy storytelling with fresh contributions that respect tradition while embracing innovation.
- Federation Space – Celebrating 25 years of forum-based excellence, Federation Space proves that longevity, organization, and community infrastructure make all the difference in sustaining immersive storylines.
- USS Firebird (Independence Fleet) – Multiple awards and consistent top-tier gameplay make the Firebird a shining example of collaborative storytelling done with style, flair, and inventiveness.
- Shadow Fleet – Combining game autonomy with fleet-wide cohesion, Shadow Fleet continues to inspire through its academy, organizational prowess, and dedication to organic story development.
Across six years, these laureates illustrate what makes the Simming Prize so vital: they push boundaries, mentor the next generation, and make every sim, fleet, and forum a little brighter. From epic space adventures to imaginative alternative universes, each winner leaves a legacy that extends far beyond the screen.
By celebrating both veteran leaders and emerging innovators, the Simming Prize ensures the community continues to grow in creativity, inclusivity, and collaborative spirit. Whether hosting conventions, crafting sprawling storylines, or simply lifting others’ work, these winners show that simming isn’t just a hobby — it’s a universe unto itself, filled with heroes, legends, and stories waiting to be told.
And if the last six years are any indication, the future of online role-playing is looking brighter than a starship entering warp drive — full of imagination, laughter, and adventures that will carry our community boldly forward for decades to come.
Be First to Comment