New novel explores life after humanity discovers it exists in a simulation

Daryl Gregory’s new novel “When We Were Real” explores the profound consequences of humanity discovering it exists within a simulation, providing a thought-provoking examination of consciousness, free will, and reality itself. The book presents a unique angle on simulation theory by focusing not on the initial revelation but on how people adapt to life after learning their entire existence is artificial, challenging readers to contemplate what it means to be “real” in an increasingly AI-driven world.

The big picture: Gregory’s thriller follows a Canterbury Tour bus traversing America to visit “Impossibles” – physics-defying geographical anomalies that appeared after humanity learned they exist in a simulation.

• These anomalies include a rectangular tunnel that stops external time, gravity-defying geysers, perpendicular landscapes, living wireframe sheep, and a frozen tornado made of razor-like material.
• The novel doesn’t dwell on “The Announcement” itself but instead examines how people process and adapt to the knowledge that they might be complex programs rather than physical beings.

Key characters: The tour bus carries a diverse group of passengers who have largely reached acceptance about their simulated existence.

• The cast includes a comic book artist, retired engineer, nuns, pregnant influencer, podcaster with his son, octogenarians, veteran bus driver, and a rookie tour guide.
• A scientist named Gillian works on “The Devil’s Toolbox,” potentially a method to control or escape the simulation, while being hunted by a terrorist group called The Protagonists.

Deeper implications: The novel explores existential questions about consciousness and free will when reality itself is revealed to be artificial.

• Characters struggle with the possibility that their understanding of global history could be a recent programming construct rather than actual lived experience.
• The Protagonists’ belief that many people are merely NPCs (Non-player Characters) who can be eliminated without moral consequence creates a frightening parallel to real-world dehumanization.

Why this matters: The novel serves as a “funhouse mirror” reflection of our rapidly changing technological landscape and growing concerns about artificial intelligence.

• The story suggests that knowledge of existing within a simulation has accelerated the development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) within the simulated world.
• By exploring a fictional world where simulation theory is confirmed, Gregory invites readers to consider the ethical and philosophical implications of our own increasing reliance on AI and virtual experiences.