[pontifier]

This all assumes that the limitations of our universe are the same as the limitations on the hardware outside the simulation.

We can run Conway's game, but a being inside that simulation, contemplating it's existence, would have no way to even begin to think about quantum computing.

The rules are just too different.

That being said, I almost look at the finite speed of light, and quantum effects as shortcuts to simulation.

The light speed limit allows greater parallelization by reducing the number of particles inside the local light cone. Likewise, quantum effects seem like a compiler optimization where a calculation isn't performed until the result is needed.

It's fun to think about, but I doubt we will ever know for sure either way.