The corporate learning landscape has reached an inflection point. While traditional e-learning courses and slide-based modules once dominated training programs, forward-thinking organizations are discovering that simulation and scenario-based learning deliver measurably better outcomes, particularly for developing critical soft skills like leadership, communication, and decision-making.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with the team at ETU — including Phill Miller, their new CEO, Conor Gaffney, Head of Product, and East Apthorp, their CMO — to understand what they’re building in this evolving space. What they shared, along with broader conversations across the industry, reveals that this shift isn’t just about adopting new technology; it’s about fundamentally changing how we approach skill development at scale. The combination of AI, immersive media, and sophisticated analytics is making previously complex and expensive simulation training accessible to organizations of all sizes.
The Persistent Challenges in Corporate Training
Despite billions invested in learning and development, many organizations struggle with familiar obstacles:
- The engagement gap — Traditional e-learning often fails to create meaningful behavioral change.
- Skills measurement difficulty — Connecting training activities to actual performance improvements remains elusive.
- Scalability versus quality trade-offs — High-impact training methods like role-playing don’t scale effectively.
- Resource constraints — Smaller organizations lack the budget and expertise for sophisticated training solutions.
- Speed-to-market pressure — L&D teams need to create effective training in days, not months.
These challenges have created an opportunity for scenario-based/immersive learning solutions that can deliver both effectiveness and efficiency.
Market Momentum and Innovation Across the Space
The scenario-based/immersive learning market is changing quickly, with established players and emerging innovators pushing boundaries in different directions.
Strivr continues leading enterprise VR adoption. Their recent launch of off-the-shelf Armed Attack VR modules addresses workplace safety training in retail, offices, and warehouses. The introduction of Strivr WorkWise adds content authoring capabilities, making VR development more accessible to organizations without specialized technical teams.
Talespin made headlines with its acquisition by Cornerstone, signaling mainstream enterprise adoption of AI-powered VR training. Their platform focuses on immersive skill development including negotiation, conflict management, coaching, and leadership through realistic virtual scenarios.
Mursion has distinguished itself by combining AI-driven avatars with live human “interactors” for realistic role-play experiences. Their recent “Mursion On-Demand” offering provides scalable, targeted AI-powered simulations accessible anytime, addressing the challenge of scheduling live training sessions.
Attensi has integrated generative AI into their gamified 3D simulations, focusing on behavioral change through mobile-first microlearning. Their customizable, bite-sized skill training approach includes strong analytics and reporting for measuring employee engagement.
StratX Simulations expanded their portfolio with flagship simulations including the new Circular Markstrat for sustainability-focused scenarios. Their platforms: Markstrat, BrandPRO, and REVMANEX continue driving strategic thinking and collaboration in executive education and professional learning.
Cesim has enhanced their AI-powered business simulation games with expanded ESG-focused modules, including small-service business and global challenge scenarios. Their academic-business crossover approach addresses strategic thinking, global leadership, and sustainability training.
CapsimInbox added multi-select response options and improved onboarding customization to their inbox-style email simulations. These enhancements provide more varied decision-making scenarios while maintaining their personalized feedback approach.
SimInsights launched their HyperSkill Launcher, a revamped web and desktop client for smoother access to their simulation suite. They’ve also expanded distribution to Pico VR, providing access to over 300 VR-based simulations, and continue showcasing AI-driven engineering simulations.
What We Learned from ETU: Research-Backed Innovation Meets Market Reality
During our recent briefing with ETU, several insights emerged about where scenario-based learning is headed—and how organizations can overcome traditional barriers to adoption.
Data-Driven Skills Insights: ETU has been structuring its solutions so that L&D leaders get standardized, longitudinal data rather than the isolated results that come from custom-built simulations. This platform-based approach allows organizations to identify skill gaps, track improvement over time, and connect training activities to business outcomes.
The Democratization Challenge: Historically, high-quality simulations required significant investment in instructional design, subject matter expertise, and technical development. ETU shared their vision for making this type of training accessible to mid-market organizations through AI-assisted creation tools—potentially reducing development time from months to hours.
Global Scale and Localization: With simulations running in 17 languages and serving over one million users, the technical infrastructure now exists to deploy sophisticated training globally while maintaining local relevance.
Who Should Be Paying Attention
The evolution of scenario-based learning is particularly relevant for:
- Enterprise L&D leaders seeking measurable training outcomes and struggling with engagement in traditional programs.
- Mid-market organizations that need effective training solutions but lack enterprise-scale L&D resources.
- Skills-focused initiatives where behavioral change and practical application matter more than knowledge transfer (sales teams practicing difficult conversations, managers learning to give constructive feedback, customer service representatives handling escalated situations).
- Global organizations requiring consistent training experiences across diverse markets and languages.
- Industries with high-stakes scenarios where practice in a safe environment provides clear value (sales, leadership, compliance, safety).
The Skills Data Revolution
Perhaps the most compelling development in scenario-based learning is the emergence of skills intelligence from simulation data. When learners make decisions in realistic scenarios, they generate behavioral data that reveals competency patterns often invisible in traditional assessments.
This shift from training data to practical skills intelligence marks a significant change in how we think about learning measurement. Organizations can now identify emerging talent, spot skill gaps before they impact performance, and measure the actual effectiveness of their learning investments with unprecedented precision.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for L&D Strategy
The convergence of AI, improved user experience design, and sophisticated analytics is democratizing access to training methods that were previously available only to organizations with significant resources and expertise. This shift suggests several strategic considerations:
Speed-to-Value: The ability to create effective scenario-based training rapidly changes the equation for responsive L&D. Organizations can address emerging skill needs without lengthy development cycles.
Skills-First Approach: When training data reveals actual competency development, L&D can shift from activity metrics to outcome metrics, aligning more closely with business objectives.
Expanded Access: As creation tools become more sophisticated and user-friendly, training development may extend beyond traditional L&D teams to include subject matter experts and department leaders.
The organizations that recognize scenario-based learning as a strategic capability—rather than just another training tool—will likely gain significant competitive advantages in developing critical human skills at scale.
As the market continues maturing, we expect to see increased consolidation around platforms that can deliver both effectiveness and accessibility. The winners will be those who solve the fundamental tension between high-quality learning experiences and the practical realities of organizational constraints.
For more insights into HR technology providers and learning innovation, visit institute.brandonhall.com.
