Many of the rapid e-learning tools on the market today, with some careful planning, can be used to create training simulations of the type where you are trying to replicate a customer interaction, an appraisal meeting or a sales call, for example.
But if I was producing a lot of these, I'd be very interested in the KDSimStudio product from KnowledgeDynamics, not least because my first projects could use the free version of their software. You can create your simulations by using a combination of wizards and drag and drop features.
As well as creating typical conversations with branching scenarios, you can also add in so-called "coaching tips".
The finished simulations are published in the popular Flash format.
This demo module was produced using the free version. The free version allows you to have up to 2 characters in the simulation, but for £73 you can upgrade to their lite version, which permits up to 4 characters and an unlimited number of conversation objects.
More advanced Designer and Professional versions are on the way too.

