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Custom Physics Engine vs Havok

Developers should learn or use a custom physics engine when building applications with demanding performance needs, unique physics behaviors, or when existing engines like Unity Physics or Havok are too generic, costly, or restrictive meets developers should learn havok when working on aaa video games, virtual reality experiences, or high-fidelity simulations that require advanced physics and animation, such as in action, racing, or open-world games where realistic object interactions and character movements are critical. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

Custom Physics Engine

Developers should learn or use a custom physics engine when building applications with demanding performance needs, unique physics behaviors, or when existing engines like Unity Physics or Havok are too generic, costly, or restrictive

Custom Physics Engine

Nice Pick

Developers should learn or use a custom physics engine when building applications with demanding performance needs, unique physics behaviors, or when existing engines like Unity Physics or Havok are too generic, costly, or restrictive

Pros

  • +It's essential for game development studios aiming for high-fidelity simulations, robotics software requiring custom collision handling, or research projects where physics accuracy is critical
  • +Related to: c-plus-plus, game-development

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Havok

Developers should learn Havok when working on AAA video games, virtual reality experiences, or high-fidelity simulations that require advanced physics and animation, such as in action, racing, or open-world games where realistic object interactions and character movements are critical

Pros

  • +It is also valuable for projects using engines like Unity or Unreal Engine that support Havok integration, as it offers performance optimizations and specialized features like cloth simulation and vehicle physics not always available in built-in physics systems
  • +Related to: unity, unreal-engine

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Custom Physics Engine if: You want it's essential for game development studios aiming for high-fidelity simulations, robotics software requiring custom collision handling, or research projects where physics accuracy is critical and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Havok if: You prioritize it is also valuable for projects using engines like unity or unreal engine that support havok integration, as it offers performance optimizations and specialized features like cloth simulation and vehicle physics not always available in built-in physics systems over what Custom Physics Engine offers.

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The Bottom Line
Custom Physics Engine wins

Developers should learn or use a custom physics engine when building applications with demanding performance needs, unique physics behaviors, or when existing engines like Unity Physics or Havok are too generic, costly, or restrictive

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