What Goes Into Creating Collisions In A Game?

[DC]

Of course nobody here has worked on any basketball title (or some might have) but what goes into creating collisions? Playing Live 10 and seeing how obvious their collision detection is and thinking about how poorly 2K9's collision system was makes me ask the question.

Does 2K purposely dumb down the amount of collisions in their game? Maybe it is to make the game more fun but this is definitely a BIG difference in the two titles. Not only that, they take OUT the collision detection slider in 2K9. Why?

I haven't played 2K10 yet, but from the videos, I still see a lack of collision in certain scenarios.

How hard is it to implement a serious collision system in a basketball game.

[Altimus]

Re: What Goes Into Creating Collisions In A Game?

DC, like you I haven't worked on a basketball game but I have some ideas from the programming side.

Now, I am not sure but I think that it has to do with how many actions there can be and responses. If player A collides with player A what determines the reaction? You have to take in consideration weight of the player vs weight of the other player. Momentum, speed, angle of collision and so for. There are many factors to consider I would think and this is why it is difficult to create a advanced correct collision system as this time. Once all the calculations are made then you have to determine the outcome. What if more players are involved in the collision? What happens to the ball? Etc.

Now there are great non-sports games collision systems but that technology hasn't been introduced yet to sports games. Maybe next generation.

[michaeljordanjr]

Re: What Goes Into Creating Collisions In A Game?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lojc9UcjtKI - this is where games will be in 5 years.

its out now but I dont think EA can afford licensing such an engine and I'm sure the NBA Live team or any sports programming team will have a nightmare having to start from scratch...

It's very complex, right now it's basic "once both players touch trigger animation A, B,C"

very simple stuff, we're supposed to be at the level of that video though and I hope its sooner than later.

[DaImmaculateONe]

Re: What Goes Into Creating Collisions In A Game?

Problem is basketball is a contact sport not a collision game.

[michaeljordanjr]

Re: What Goes Into Creating Collisions In A Game?

Problem is basketball is a contact sport not a collision game.

lol, collisions are contact...

but anyway,

In basketball you invite yourself to collide on nearly ever possession. As a defender you jump at shots, layups etc.. as an offender you drive and jump and soar towards the hoop.

If you're good you draw contact and get fouled and hopefully make the shot....

With the Natural Motion engine you could calculate the force of the collision which dictates the chance of making a shot.

[Brooklynnets24]

Re: What Goes Into Creating Collisions In A Game?

Problem is basketball is a contact sport not a collision game.

umm what

[KG]

Re: What Goes Into Creating Collisions In A Game?

This has to be the most difficult thing to program in sports game. There are so many variables that you have to take into account. Not only that but then you still have to give the user some control post contact that the animation just can't play out.

I wonder if they mocap collisions. Hopefully technology will advance to point where they can mocap a player during a live game and not mess with his performance.