Programming Vehicles in Games: From Concept to Code

This article dives deep into the principles and practice of programming realistic vehicle behavior in games. The author recounts their journey, starting with a simple Newtonian model and iteratively refining it to achieve a more authentic simulation. The core components—engine, tires, and chassis—are explained in detail, including tire modeling using longitudinal and lateral forces, the Pacejka magic formula, and the interaction between these forces. A pseudocode example demonstrates integration into a game physics engine. The author stresses balancing realistic physics with the desired gameplay experience.