How developers simulate falling and jumping for fun

by Michael McWhertor

"Find the fun." The common refrain of game development can manifest itself as the creation of a new game mechanic, refinement or combination of existing mechanics, or making something simple—like jumping, flying, and fighting—feel good. Even falling.

In games like Fortnite, Apex Legends and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, plummeting from the open sky to the hard ground below is an experience. Simulated gravity pulls players downward, and game mechanics allow them to float, spin, and boom as they fall. Simulated air friction can slow their descent, while visual effects such as motion lines and line of sight tricks help convey a sense of speed. Rocketing back up into the skies, whether through spring pads or simply the strength of a game character's two legs, is defined by a separate force that also needs to feel fun.