Interesting. In my mind both "hologram" and "simulation" ha…

I think I know what you mean. I had similar connotations once. But for me it doesn't contradict the existence of a creator in the end.
I personally just call it "the construct".

If I remember right, you mentioned the concept of "soul connection", which would have certain implications as well.
In the end it is just guessing and we probably will never know.
And even a simulation could have meaning and purpose. Just the programs/individuals inside the simulation wouldn't be aware of it or could (ever) find out.

There is a book which I started reading once (but haven't finished yet): Michael Talbot - The holographic universe.