Game Dev From Zero · Episode 8

Feel lab

Same code, different numbers, totally different feel. Drive the ghost, then change the max speed, acceleration and friction. Game feel is just numbers.

The game arrow keys / WASD / buttons

velocity (x, y)
(0, 0)
speed
0 px/s

The code lit = running now


    

  


  

    

      
The numbers

      

      
      
      
      
Speed is in pixels per second; acceleration and friction are pixels per second, per second. Friction 0 = you never stop!

    


    

      
Things to try

      
    
        
  1. Press Instant and drive around. Then Smooth. Which feels better?
    2. 
        
  2. Try Ice, and try to stop exactly where you want. Hard, right?
    3. 
        
  3. Set friction to 0. Let go of the keys. What happens, and why?
    4. 
        
  4. Watch the graph: acceleration makes the ramp up, friction makes the ramp down.
    5. 
        
  5. Make your own feel and give it a name. A rocket? A snail? A shopping trolley?
    6.