This book presents software tools, environments and realities dealing with creation, imitation and analysis of artefactual, virtual, and living forms, written by those who personally design and produce software, hardware, and art installations in artificial life, simulated complex systems, and virtual worlds. This timely volume offers a nearly exhaustive overview and original analysis of major non-profit artificial life software packages. Topics include: UL LIsimulation of real and imaginary life forms and their evolution/LI LIself-organization /LI LIemergent behaviours/LI LIswarm intelligence/LI LIevolutionary robotics/LI LIagent-based simulations/LI LIadaptive, complex and biologically inspired ecosystems /LI LIcreative computer art/LI/UL There has long been a need within the academic and research community for an informal introduction and guidance to modern software tools for modeling and simulation of life-like phenomena a " this book fills this gap and offers detailed reviews of contemporary software for artificial life for both professionals and amateurs.