In building heavy-physics games prototype (physics-based games), the fun comes from how weight, motion, and force behave on screen, not from scripted events. The challenge is balance: too much realism makes controls frustrating, while too little breaks immersion. Prototyping helps developers determine the best approach for the next step in the roadmap.
To bring this idea to life, GIANTY built a Unity prototype focused on skate-style physics. The goal was to make gravity, friction, and momentum feel both realistic and fun, with controls that stayed intuitive on keyboard and controller. Delivered in just two months, it proved how early builds can capture the player experience before full game development.
How Heavy-Physics Games Enhance Player Experience
Unlike action or story-driven genres, heavy-physics games put motion and interaction at the core. Think of skateboarding games, ragdoll experiments, or sandbox survival games – the excitement comes from weight, motion, and that feels real.
Heavy-physics games are unique because they make players feel the impact of every movement. Instead of just pressing buttons and watching animation, they sense weight, motion, and impact that respond.
- Believable reactions: Movements have clear outcomes, like speeding downhill or stumbling after a mistimed jump.
- Realistic consistency: Physics behaves as players expect, making the world immersive and trustworthy.
- Creative freedom: Players test limits, retry actions, and discover new ways to play.
- Endless variety: Real-time physics ensures no two attempts feel the same.
- Balanced fun: Realism feels authentic but never overwhelming, keeping gameplay engaging and accessible.
Key Focus Areas in Developing Heavy-Physics Gameplay
Core Physics Concepts in Games
Physics-driven gameplay is built on core foundations:
- Gravity, acceleration, momentum – Decide how fast things move, fall, and keep their speed.
- Collisions – Make objects react when they hit, whether that means bouncing, stopping, or breaking.
- Friction and elasticity – Control how much things grip, slow down, or bounce back for realistic movement.
Heavy-physics Game Prototype Development Priorities
Building a heavy-physics game needs both simulating real-world forces and making those forces playable. The right focus areas help developers strike a balance between realism and engagement.
- Physics foundations: Gravity, momentum, friction, and collisions must be tuned so motion feels weighty but still responsive.
- Controls and UX: Inputs should translate complex forces into simple, satisfying actions on both controller and keyboard.
- Camera and feedback: A well-placed camera and responsive feedback help players read physics clearly and stay immersed.
- Optimization: Efficient collision and physics systems keep gameplay smooth without sacrificing depth.
- Rapid iteration: Prototypes with placeholder assets let teams test the “feel” early, before committing to full production.
GIANTY’s Case Study – Skateboarding Game Prototype
Overview
A two-month Unity prototype was developed to validate a realistic skateboarding game and responsive controls. The project targeted PC with both keyboard and Xbox 360 controller support, aiming to prove the viability of Unity’s PhysX for heavy-physics gameplay.
Challenges
- Physics “feel”: Fine-tuning Unity’s PhysX engine to make tricks and landings feel authentic.
- Control design: Creating a layout that balances precision for advanced players with accessibility for newcomers.
- Character rigging issues: Fixing pivot points and humanoid rig mismatches in client-provided assets.
- Art limitations: Using placeholder visuals to focus on gameplay first, then planning for later polish.
Tech Stack
- Engine: Unity with PhysX, Humanoid Rig System
- Language: C#
- Platforms: Windows PC, Xbox 360 controller, keyboard
The Outcome
Delivering a skate game in Unity required more than just simulating physics. It meant understanding the real foundations of a skating game: the push, the roll, the balance in mid-air, and turning them into gameplay that felt natural, challenging, and fun.
GIANTY’s approach focused on turning these principles into gameplay that feels both realistic and responsive, while solving technical challenges along the way.
What we do
- Gameplay: Ground locomotion, slope handling, balance transitions, ollies, fakie/switch stance, and air drag effects.
- Environment: A temporary 3D test park with ramps and inclines for quick iteration.
- Character: Humanoid rig with rigidbody and ragdoll physics to support natural motion.
- UI/UX: Camera tuned for ground and air gameplay, plus full control documentation.
- Art & Audio: Placeholder assets and animations, minimal sound design, focusing on physics and gameplay first.
What we deliver
- Jointed board-rider physics using rigid bodies and colliders so the skater and board moved as one, just like in real life.
- Ground locomotion with kick-push cadence and momentum on inclines.
- Air physics with gravity, drag, and a basic ollie system gave jumps the right weight and control.
- An adaptive smooth camera system that keeps the action clear on ramps, in tricks, and mid-air.
- Dual input mapping for Xbox 360 controller and keyboard.
The Result
Despite challenges such as fine-tuning PhysX for the right “skate game feel,” resolving rigging issues, and working with placeholder art, it succeeded in proving that Unity can deliver a skateboarding game experience that feels authentic, fluid, and fun.
By grounding development in real skateboarding physics and prioritizing gameplay feel, GIANTY created a prototype that gave stakeholders confidence to move forward into full production with a strong foundation.
GIANTY is now working on the next phase of development, expanding the mechanics with more advanced skate game tricks, smoother animations, and a larger test environment. The goal is to keep refining the “feel” of skating in Unity and making sure every push, jump, and landing continues to capture the essence of a real skateboarding game.
Build Your Next Game With Us
Building a heavy-physics game, especially a skateboarding game, isn’t just about physics engines or animation; it’s about understanding how physics-based games really feels and making that feeling playable.
With over 20 years in game development and deep expertise in Unity, GIANTY has helped global partners turn ambitious ideas into successful projects from prototypes to full productions. This skateboarding game is just one example of how our teams bridge technical skill with gameplay insight to deliver results that players love. See more at our portfolio here.
Let’s build your next hit together. Contact us now
