This is a recognized phenomenon. Games are simulations of reality, almost always...

This is a recognized phenomenon. Games are simulations of reality, almost always with softer rules, and players are essentially gods within that simulation.

Here's a massive collection of examples:

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/VideogameCruelty...

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/VideoGamePervers...

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/WhatTheHellPlaye...

And also a massive list of positive examples:

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/VideoGameCaringP...

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/VideoGameCruelty...

> know the difference between the game world and real life

This is the norm. As far as I know, all attempts to prove otherwise have failed.