Game Physics Engine vs Custom Physics Code

Developers should learn and use game physics engines when creating games that require realistic physical interactions, such as action, simulation, or puzzle games, to save time and ensure accuracy in physics modeling meets developers should learn custom physics code when building applications requiring precise control over physical simulations, such as in specialized games with unique mechanics, scientific research tools, or performance-critical systems where generic engines introduce overhead. Here's our take.

Game Physics Engine

Nice Pick

Developers should learn and use game physics engines when creating games that require realistic physical interactions, such as action, simulation, or puzzle games, to save time and ensure accuracy in physics modeling

Pros

• They are essential for implementing features like character movement, vehicle dynamics, destructible environments, and particle effects, which would be computationally intensive to code from scratch
• Related to: game-development, c-plus-plus

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Custom Physics Code

Developers should learn custom physics code when building applications requiring precise control over physical simulations, such as in specialized games with unique mechanics, scientific research tools, or performance-critical systems where generic engines introduce overhead

Pros

• It is essential for creating realistic simulations in fields like robotics, aerospace, or medical imaging, and for achieving artistic effects in animation or interactive art that standard physics libraries cannot easily replicate
• Related to: numerical-methods, game-physics

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Game Physics Engine is a tool while Custom Physics Code is a concept. We picked Game Physics Engine based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Game Physics Engine wins

Based on overall popularity. Game Physics Engine is more widely used, but Custom Physics Code excels in its own space.