That's true, but it doesn't mean that the simulation doesn't have desired effects in the real world. The simulation will not make you wet, but it will keep you dry if you use its predictions and take your umbrella with you.
If consciousness is related to assessment of predictions and their effect on the organism, then those predictions can be assessed by living "through" them in the real or simulated world and there are significant advantages in doing this in simulation.
That's true, but it doesn't mean that the simulation doesn't have desired effects in the real world. The simulation will not make you wet, but it will keep you dry if you use its predictions and take your umbrella with you.
If consciousness is related to assessment of predictions and their effect on the organism, then those predictions can be assessed by living "through" them in the real or simulated world and there are significant advantages in doing this in simulation.