How can you create complex game physics with rapid prototyping?

1 What is rapid prototyping?

Rapid prototyping is a process of creating a simplified version of your game or a specific feature, such as physics, that you can use to test and evaluate your design ideas. Rapid prototyping allows you to experiment with different physics parameters, mechanics, and interactions, and get feedback from yourself or others. The goal of rapid prototyping is not to create a polished or final product, but to learn and improve your design through iteration and validation.

2 Why use rapid prototyping for game physics?

Game physics can be tricky to design and implement, due to the many variables, calculations, and interactions that can affect the gameplay, performance, and user experience. To avoid spending time on technical details, bugs, and optimization instead of focusing on the creative and fun aspects of your design, rapid prototyping can be used. Rapid prototyping lets you create and test your physics ideas with minimal coding and maximum flexibility. It allows you to explore different physics concepts and scenarios, such as gravity, friction, collisions, forces; experiment with different physics parameters and values (mass, speed, acceleration, drag); test how your physics affect the gameplay, challenge, balance, and feel of your game; get feedback from yourself or others on how your physics work and feel in your game; and iterate and improve your physics design based on your findings and feedback.

3 How to use rapid prototyping for game physics?

Rapid prototyping for game physics is an iterative process that involves defining goals and questions, choosing tools and methods, creating a prototype, testing and evaluating it, and making improvements. When defining goals and questions, consider the features and mechanics that involve physics, as well as the challenges and risks that need to be addressed. Choose tools and methods based on your goals and questions; for example, use paper prototyping, digital prototyping, or a combination of both. Additionally, you can use existing tools and frameworks such as Unity, Unreal Engine, Phaser, P5.js, etc. Create a simple and functional prototype that showcases your physics features and mechanics without worrying about graphics or story at this stage. Test and evaluate the prototype using different methods and techniques; for example, playtesting, observation, interviews, surveys etc. Finally, make changes based on the test results to improve the prototype. Repeat this process until you are satisfied with your physics prototype.

4 Examples of rapid prototyping for game physics

For inspiration and guidance, here are some examples of rapid prototyping for game physics from different games and genres. For instance, Angry Birds uses a simple physics engine called Box2D to create and test their physics prototype, allowing them to experiment with various parameters and values to fine-tune the physics behavior and feel. Portal, on the other hand, uses a modified version of the Source engine to create and test their physics prototype, tweaking various portal shapes, sizes, and effects to create interesting physics scenarios and puzzles. Lastly, Braid utilizes a custom-built engine to create and test its physics prototype, exploring different time manipulation modes such as reversing, slowing down, or freezing time in order to create diverse physics interactions and outcomes.

5 Tips and tools for rapid prototyping for game physics

Rapid prototyping for game physics can be made easier with the right tips and tools. Start small and simple, focusing on the core mechanics that are essential for your game design. Utilize existing tools and frameworks, such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Wolfram Alpha, to get ready-made features and functions. Experiment and iterate with different physics concepts and parameters, using sliders, buttons, console commands, debug draw, or collision boxes to visualize and debug. Finally, don't forget to get feedback from yourself or others on how your physics work in your game. Playtesting, observation, interviews, surveys, as well as usability and engagement metrics can help you measure and evaluate your prototype.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?