As per the title and the poll: how often do you simulate games in franchise/career modes?
In my main franchise/career games, I've tended to play every game, usually on 12 minute quarters. It's never felt right leaving the results up to the simulation engine, and I enjoy the long journey of playing through the regular season and entire Playoffs. Of course, the downside of that approach is that it's harder to make it through multiple seasons before the next game comes out. Since I do like the multi-season aspect of franchise and career play, my reluctance to simulate has made it difficult to truly enjoy that part of the experience.
However, I have simulated games on occasion. Aside from starting a franchise game on the side that I intend to completely sim for fun, I did simulate through a bulk of a second season in my NBA Live 2004 Dynasty on PlayStation 2. Once I maxed out my Badges with my point guard build in NBA 2K20, I simmed through the final 20 or so games of the season and then played through the Playoffs to the championship. After two full seasons in NBA 2K19, and mostly playing MyCAREER in NBA 2K20 to build up a player for casual online play, I was content to simulate the back half of the regular season.
Now that I'm playing through a MyCAREER game in NBA 2K14 and am up to my third season in what has been an extremely enjoyable experience to date, I'm confronted with the choice to simulate here and there. I've achieved the ten milestones to enter the Hall of Fame when I opt to retire, and have set myself and the team up to have a good season if I start using the "Play Next Key Game" to speed up progress. I've also maxed out my ratings, so there's nothing to grind for outside of upgrading Signature Skills (and my avatar is already more than adequately equipped to be a superstar). It's hard to let go of the fun of playing all the games though, and turn stretches of the season over to the Key Game simulation function. I'd love to get to the present day in my NBA 2K14 MyCAREER game and complete a "full" career, but since I prefer to play on 12 minute quarters, that's a tall order to accomplish without any simulating.
As such, I'm trying to hold out as long as I can without simulating. At the same time, I can't say that I never have or never would simulate, so I will say "sometimes". I'll also say that whether it's a franchise or career mode, if you can make the time, it's incredibly rewarding to play through multiple seasons and see the league transform as an alternate reality takes shape. Anyway, what's your stance on simulating games in franchise and career modes?