DJC2 - Day 8 - Creating Video Games
What Is "Arcade" Physics?
Physics that doesn't try to imitate reality, but instead makes the game feel exciting, fast, and addictive.
Arcade physics is a type of simulation that prioritizes fun over realism. Instead of reproducing exact physical laws, this approach modifies or simplifies gravity, weight, speed, and collisions so the player experiences more agile controls, more spectacular movements, and accessible gameplay.
It's used in genres where realistic precision could make the experience harder: platformers, racing games, shooters, and most 2D games. The goal is clear: deliver immediate and satisfying feedback from the very first second of gameplay.
Why Is Arcade Physics So Common in Video Games?
Arcade physics dominates many titles for several key reasons:
1. It enables fast and responsive gameplay
Characters react instantly, making jumping, running, drifting, or shooting feel fluid and natural—even if it breaks real-world physics.
2. It removes unnecessary complexity
It doesn't require advanced calculations such as realistic friction, complex rotations, or detailed mass simulation. This simplicity makes games lighter, more predictable, and easier to tweak.
3. It allows exaggerated actions for greater impact
Very high jumps, impossible turns, instant acceleration, and more dramatic collisions. Intentional exaggeration is part of the charm of the arcade style.
4. It increases accessibility
Any player can adapt quickly, even without prior experience. Controls are intuitive and the learning curve is much smoother.
5. It works perfectly in 2D games
Engines like Unity, Godot, and GameMaker Studio include built-in arcade physics, ideal for platformers, 2D shooters, beat ‘em ups, and retro-style games.
How Is Arcade Physics Implemented?
Arcade physics uses simple calculations fully controlled by the developer. Common examples include:
- Jumps with a fixed or manually controlled height.
- Constant speeds without realistic acceleration.
- Collisions that push objects in predetermined ways.
- Custom gravity depending on the game's genre.
- Movement based on interpolation instead of real physical forces.
This exact control allows developers to fine-tune every movement until it feels perfect for the player.
Arcade Physics vs. Realistic Physics
Realistic physics tries to imitate the real world. Arcade physics focuses on delivering fun sensations. In many cases, developers combine elements from both to create balanced experiences, but for games centered on immediacy, arcade physics remains the most effective option.
Arcade physics shows that in video games, the most important thing isn't mimicking reality—it's creating experiences that feel fluid, expressive, and deeply enjoyable.
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- What Is "Arcade" Physics?