In this final module, you will apply the knowledge and skills you've acquired throughout the course to create a comprehensive project. This project will involve defining, planning, designing, implementing, and presenting a video game or a specific game feature that heavily relies on physics. This section will guide you through defining your project, setting clear objectives, and outlining the scope and requirements.

By the end of this section, you should be able to:

1. Define a clear and achievable project goal.
2. Identify the key physics concepts and techniques that will be applied.
3. Outline the scope and requirements of the project.
4. Create a preliminary project plan.

Decide whether you want to create:

• A complete video game with a strong emphasis on physics.
• A specific game feature or mechanic that showcases advanced physics (e.g., realistic collision system, fluid simulation, ragdoll physics).

Clearly state what you aim to achieve with your project. For example:

• "Develop a 2D platformer game with realistic physics-based character movement and collision detection."
• "Create a 3D simulation of a destructible environment using rigid body physics."

List the physics principles and techniques you will use in your project. This could include:

• Kinematics and dynamics (e.g., URM, UARM, Newton's Laws)
• Collision detection and resolution
• Rigid body physics
• Particle systems
• Advanced physics (e.g., soft bodies, ragdoll physics)

Define the scope of your project by detailing the features and functionalities you plan to implement. Consider the following aspects:

• Core Mechanics: Describe the main physics-based mechanics (e.g., character movement, object interactions).
• Environment: Outline the environment where the physics interactions will take place (e.g., level design, obstacles).
• User Interface: Specify any UI elements needed to interact with the physics features (e.g., controls, HUD).
• Performance: Set performance goals to ensure smooth gameplay (e.g., frame rate, optimization techniques).

Develop a high-level plan that includes the following phases:

• Research and Design: Gather resources, sketch designs, and plan the architecture.
• Implementation: Write the code and integrate physics engines/tools.
• Testing: Test the physics interactions and refine the mechanics.
• Presentation: Prepare to showcase your project, highlighting the physics aspects.

• Type: 3D Puzzle Game

• Goal: Develop a 3D puzzle game where players manipulate objects with realistic physics to solve challenges.

• Newton's Laws
• Collision detection and resolution
• Rigid body physics
• Particle effects for visual feedback

• Core Mechanics: Players can pick up, move, and rotate objects to solve puzzles.
• Environment: A series of interconnected rooms with physics-based puzzles.
• User Interface: Simple controls for object manipulation, visual indicators for interactive objects.
• Performance: Maintain a stable frame rate of 60 FPS, optimize collision detection.

• Research and Design: 1 week
  • Study similar games, sketch level designs, plan object interactions.
• Implementation: 3 weeks
  • Set up the game environment, implement object manipulation mechanics, integrate physics engine.
• Testing: 1 week
  • Test puzzles, refine object interactions, fix bugs.
• Presentation: 1 week
  • Create a demo video, prepare a presentation highlighting the physics features.

1. Choose Your Project Type: Decide whether you want to create a complete game or a specific feature.
2. Define Your Project Goal: Write a clear and concise goal for your project.
3. Identify Key Physics Concepts: List the physics principles and techniques you will use.
4. Outline the Scope and Requirements: Detail the features and functionalities of your project.
5. Create a Preliminary Project Plan: Develop a high-level plan with phases and timelines.

1. Project Type: 2D Platformer Game
2. Project Goal: Develop a 2D platformer game with realistic character movement and collision detection.
3. Key Physics Concepts: URM, UARM, Newton's Laws, collision detection and resolution.
4. Scope and Requirements:
   • Core Mechanics: Character movement, jumping, and collision with platforms.
   • Environment: Multiple levels with varying obstacles and platforms.
   • User Interface: Simple controls for movement and jumping.
   • Performance: Maintain a stable frame rate of 60 FPS.
5. Preliminary Project Plan:
   • Research and Design: 1 week
   • Implementation: 3 weeks
   • Testing: 1 week
   • Presentation: 1 week

Defining your project is a crucial first step in bringing your ideas to life. By setting clear goals, identifying key physics concepts, outlining the scope and requirements, and creating a preliminary plan, you lay a solid foundation for a successful project. In the next section, you will delve into planning and designing your project in more detail.