Many games are driven by physics engines that mimic motion in the real world in a virtual counterpart. Phun discussed earlier is a simple 2D example. A number of classes had a brief look at the technology behind the Nintendo Wii and the physics concepts underpinning the games. The boxing game will have to be banned in future as students let loose in a virtual world were determined to punch each others’ lights out risking a virtual school suspension
get your vodpod
Some physics concepts identified include:
Don’t forget the homework!
An essay on physics in video games.
Physics in videogames is important because it contributes to the realism and entertainment value. Many factors must be considered including speed, weight, friction and gravity. The first major games to involve physics as a core part of its gameplay were valves Half-life series and its spin off Portal (both of which have been nominated for numerous awards for thier revolutionary physics technology). The Half-Life series was the first game to feature physic as an integeral part of its structure with many puzzles involving the bouncy and thrust of objects along with the manipulation of gravity itself. Portal as its name suggests uses portals to overcome obstacles e.g the speed gained from jumping off a high ledge into a portal could be used to propel the player from another portal horizontally over a obastacle you could not overcome otherwise such as a large chasm. More recently the nintendo wii has been released with multiple sports mini games which could teach students the im portants of speed in relation to kinetic energy, weight and gravity, with the selection of tools the possibilities are seemingly endless.
In conclusion Physics has become more relevant as games become more complex and could be a very usefull tool in teaching students about the world around them
Thanks for that James. I had been unaware of the history of games and the physics behind them.
Interesting although must admit I’m not 100% convinced.
….neither am I! The whole technology in school thing is fraught with difficulty. The basic problem for most teachers is that students are mostly connected at home but lose their connection the moment they come through the school gates. Schools are the last work places to benefit from advances in technology.