Exploring Video Game Engines For Physics Environments

Hey guys! I'm Louis Clare from Mathematics and ARC at UCL, and I'm super excited to share my project exploring video game engines for creating physics environments. This is a deep dive into how we can use the power of game engines, specifically with the potential of Unreal Engine, to build some seriously cool stuff. Think about it: we're not just playing games; we're building the worlds the games live in, particularly focusing on the physics that govern them. This project is all about understanding, experimenting, and, most importantly, having fun with the tech.

Project Overview: From Reading to Reality

This project started with a simple question: How can we use video game engines to simulate and manipulate physics in interesting ways? My aim is to start a "reading group" style approach, akin to studying a textbook, but instead, we'll be diving into the documentation and tutorials of Unreal Engine, and maybe other engines too. The goal isn't to become immediate experts, but to collectively explore the landscape, share our experiences, and keep each other motivated. The project will be focused on learning, experimenting, and building toy projects to solidify understanding. Imagine experimenting with physics engines and different concepts.

Specifically, the project will be focusing on these key areas:

• Deep Dive into Unreal Engine: Understanding the engine's architecture, the physics systems available, and how to manipulate them.
• Toy Projects: Developing small-scale projects to test concepts, such as simple simulations or interactive environments.
• Non-Euclidean Geometry: Exploring the exciting realm of non-Euclidean geometry to create novel physics environments. This could lead to some very interesting results and pushes the boundaries of what's possible.
• Shared Learning: Collaborating with others to share experiences, overcome challenges, and collectively deepen our understanding.

This approach allows us to build a strong foundation, compare experiences, and maintain the momentum needed to tackle complex topics. Plus, who doesn't love a good excuse to learn something new with friends?

Why This Project Matters

This isn't just about having fun with cool tech (although that's definitely part of it!). Understanding how to create physics environments in game engines has practical applications across multiple fields. For instance, it can be used to simulate scientific experiments, create training simulations, and develop interactive educational tools. The ability to model and simulate real-world physics allows for research and development in exciting and innovative fields. Furthermore, it helps us understand the underlying principles of physics and geometry, making the project a valuable learning experience for anyone interested in these areas. Being able to leverage the tools and methodologies of game development can open doors to creative and innovative solutions, while simultaneously making learning fun and accessible.

The Building Blocks: Unreal Engine and Beyond

So, why Unreal Engine, and what other tools might be in the mix? Unreal Engine is a fantastic choice for this project because it's powerful, versatile, and, most importantly, well-documented. Epic Games has provided an amazing amount of resources, from comprehensive documentation to a vibrant community of developers, which is crucial when you're learning something new. We'll start with Unreal Engine's physics engine, which supports a wide array of physical interactions, including collision detection, gravity, and forces. I'm really curious to see how one can push the boundaries of what's possible by implementing custom physics behaviors.

We'll be using a combination of the engine's built-in tools and potentially some custom scripting to create our projects. We'll look into Unreal Engine's visual scripting system, Blueprint, which allows you to create complex interactions without needing to write code. Of course, we can use more advanced techniques such as C++ for more complex or specific applications. If there is enough interest and time, we might even look at other game engines. The key is to find the best tools for the job and focus on the learning experience. The real magic happens when you start experimenting, combining existing tools, and finding creative solutions to problems. This iterative approach is at the core of this project.

Diving into Non-Euclidean Geometry

One of the coolest aspects of this project is the potential to explore non-Euclidean geometry. For those not familiar, non-Euclidean geometry is a system of geometry that does not follow the rules of Euclidean geometry. This opens up a world of possibilities for creating novel and mind-bending physics environments. Imagine worlds where parallel lines converge, where the shortest distance between two points isn't a straight line, or where the angles of a triangle don't add up to 180 degrees! This is where things get really interesting!

To implement non-Euclidean geometry in a game engine, we would need to redefine how the engine calculates distances, forces, and other physical properties. This might involve using custom mathematical functions, creating new physics components, or even modifying the engine's source code. We can then build experimental environments and projects to test and validate the physics. This is a challenging but rewarding area of research, and it has the potential to create simulations that are both scientifically interesting and visually spectacular. The goal is to develop a deeper understanding of how we can challenge the traditional notions of physics, which could result in innovative and unexpected findings.

Project Outputs: What to Expect

So, what do I hope to achieve with this project? The primary output will be a solid understanding of Unreal Engine and how to create compelling physics environments. This includes:

• Practical Knowledge: Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine and its tools.
• Working Projects: A portfolio of small-scale projects demonstrating different physics concepts.
• Technical Skills: Increased proficiency in using the engine's visual scripting and/or C++.
• Conceptual Understanding: A deeper grasp of physics and geometry.

Of course, this project is about more than just individual achievements. It's about sharing knowledge, learning from each other, and building a community around a common interest. I would love to see us create tutorials, blog posts, or even small open-source projects that can help others learn and experiment. The collaborative nature of the project would allow us to share findings, solve problems, and, most importantly, have fun. This collaborative element is key to success.

Timeline and Milestones

Because the project is in early stages, there is no strict timeline. However, here is a loose outline of what I expect:

1. Initial Exploration: Start reading the documentation, tutorials, and initial experiments with Unreal Engine. Getting familiar with the basics of the engine. Setting up the environment. Learning the fundamentals of the engine's tools and workflows. (1-2 months)
2. Toy Projects: Develop small projects focused on specific physics concepts, like gravity, collisions, and forces. Building these mini-projects would help solidify understanding and allow for hands-on learning. (Ongoing)
3. Non-Euclidean Geometry: Research and experiment with implementing non-Euclidean geometry in the engine. This is where things get really interesting and we can start exploring new frontiers. (2+ months)
4. Sharing and Collaboration: Sharing experiences, creating tutorials, and contributing to the community. Creating content to share our insights and experiences with others. (Ongoing)

This is an iterative process, so the timeline will likely evolve as we learn and discover new possibilities. The most important thing is to remain flexible, enthusiastic, and open to experimentation.

Conclusion: Join the Adventure!

I hope this gives you a clear picture of what I'm hoping to achieve with this project. If you're interested in exploring the exciting world of game engines, physics, and geometry, I'd love for you to join in! Whether you're a seasoned developer or just curious about these topics, your contributions and enthusiasm are welcome.

Let's learn, experiment, and build something amazing together!

For more information, check out these links:

• Unreal Engine Documentation: (https://docs.unrealengine.com/) - This is the official documentation, and it's your best friend for everything Unreal.
• Unreal Engine Tutorials: (https://learn.unrealengine.com/) - Unreal Engine offers a wealth of learning resources, including tutorials, courses, and sample projects.

I can't wait to see what we create! Let's dive in!