Game Physics Engine Development, 2nd Edition

1

Introduction

hysics is a hot topic in computer games. No s elf-respecting action game can get

Pby without a good physics engine, and the trend has recently spread through

other genres, including strategy games and puzzles. This gro wth has been largely

fueled by middleware companies offering high-powered physics simulation. Most

high-profile games now feature commercial physics engines.

But commercial packages come at a high price, and for a huge range of developers

building a custom physics solution can be better, as it can be cheaper, provide more

control, and be more flexible. Unfortunately, physics is a topic shrouded in mystery,

mathematics, and ...