Science on video games

[BAndrew]

As you might have suspected from my posts I am really interested in science subjects like mathematics and physics. But how important are they on video games?

(I am not refering to the development and the programming stuff, but on the game itself. Definetely there are not any equations and things like these, and there shouldn't be. Also keep in mind that I will primary be speaking for Amnesia and Penumbra.)

Physics: Well every game obviously uses some physics more or less (stuff like gravity, motion, injuries, weather, light, etc.), but there are only a few which actually manage to create a detailed and realistic interaction in terms of physics. The best example is Penumbra series and Amnesia the Dark Descent developed by Frictional Games. They have done a really stunning work on their engine. Physics interaction is excellent and demonstrates the real world with a wonderful precision. In my opinion, although you might not notice the importance of physics at first while playing, it definitely is important. It makes you feel that you are present in the events of the game, it gives you the feeling that it's "you" that acts and not another person (of course you know that it's Philip or Daniel or someone else, but how many times are you considering this while playing?). Another advantage is that it's realistic. For instance, you pick up a rock as you would in real life, you have to open a door normally, and so on . A "click" won't magically do it for you. Also, I have to mention one major factor in Penumbra and Amnesia - lighting. By "playing" with lightning, absense of lighting (darkness), spot lights, etc. the developers of Frictional Games managed to create a fantastic experience of fear and terror not because you are actually seeing something scary, but because you think you do. Your brain in its attempt to understand what's happening automatically makes complicated thoughts and horrifies you in order to stay alert. Of course sound effects enhance this experience.

Puzzles: Puzzles are logic, and logic is science. When they are carefully designed which means they are not way too hard nor way too easy and they have an impact on the story and on the way the plot unfolds, then they can be quite interesting and enhance the experience. Thomas has already written some essays about this and I think he greatly covers the subject.

Mathematics: Mathematics are everywhere, you can't escape from them! Well, to be honest maths as pure maths don't really help in the game experience or whatever, but without them everything would be impossible. So I felt that I had to at least mention them.


I would like to hear (how ironic) your thoughts about this. I would be interested if you could find other examples of how science helps video games build up an atmosphere.