What IS the first Sci-fi story for that concept? I know the Matrix guys supposedly ripped off Grant Morrison, (Not sure if it was the Doom Patrol story about everyone having bugs on the back of their heads or a different one)
But I can’t remember any early stories about either simulations or a person discovering that he’s God* and that he made everything.
*My other theory. I’m pretty sure either I’m God or this is a simulation. Either way, you guys aren’t real. Sorry.
edit: Wait…wait…I do remember the TZ episode with Dennis Weaver as a condemned man. That was similar. And I think Alice in Wonderland touches on it.