What sort of moral issues result from creating a simulation universe that gives rise to sentient beings? I feel creeped out and reminded of Source Code with Jake Gyllenhaal for some reason.
The author has commented that he regrets having overlooked the moral implications of simulated life in his previous works (see e.g. http://gregegan.customer.netspace.net.au/PERMUTATION/FAQ/FAQ..., which contains spoilers for Permutation City) so I wouldn't be surprised if that was the inspiration for this story.
https://www.amazon.com/Cyberiad-Stanislaw-Lem/dp/0156027593
It touches thoughtfully and humorously on: AI, simulations, robotics, ethical and moral questions regarding artificial life, among many other interesting topics. It's one of the funniest and greatest science fiction books I've ever read.
I mean, plenty of people don't take issue with a lot of things I find reprehensible.
Are you morally prohibited from turning them off?
Can you reset to a save point, possibly undoing the creation of some of the sentient beings?