How does physics simulation work in video games?
Game physics refers to the laws of physics defined within a video game and the programming logic used to implement them. They often rely on specialized software called physics engines to provide approximate simulations of classical dynamics, rigid bodies, and collisions. While some games strive for real-world accuracy, others intentionally deviate from actual physics to improve gameplay.
What we know
- Game physics and computer animation physics are defined as the laws of physics within a simulation or video game alongside the programming logic used to implement them. [2]
- A physics engine is computer software that provides an approximate simulation of physical systems such as rigid body dynamics, soft body dynamics, and fluid dynamics. [4]
- Collision detection is a core component used to solve the problem of determining when two or more physical objects in an environment cross paths. [2]
- Games may intentionally deviate from real-world physics for gameplay purposes, such as allowing mid-air directional changes or double jumps in platform games. [2]
Where to go next
- the bigger pictureWhat is a physics engine in software development?
- how it workedHow does collision detection work in video games?
- a case in pointHow do platform games deviate from real-world physics?
- whenWhen was the Havok physics software acquired by Microsoft?
- compared withHow does computer-generated imagery use physics simulation?
- an unexpected connectionHow are technology and engineering Emmy awards connected to video game physics?Middleware physics engine developer Havok was honored at the 59th Annual Technology and Engineering Emmy Awards for advancing physics engines in electronic entertainment.
Sources
- [1]game physics (Wikidata Q2885518) · CC0 1.0
- [2]Game physics · CC BY-SA 4.0
- [3]Havok (software) · CC BY-SA 4.0
- [4]Physics engine · CC BY-SA 4.0
- [5]Godot (game engine) · CC BY-SA 4.0