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Box3D, an open source 3D physics engine (box2d.org)

524 points by makepanic · 58 days ago · 130 comments on HN

Article summary

The article announces the release of Box3D, an open source 3D physics engine, which is a fork of Box2D with added features for 3D games. The engine was developed to address the needs of the game The Legend of California, which required a custom physics engine. Box3D is now available on GitHub and has already been used in a few games. The developer plans to continue supporting and improving the engine.

Main themes

  • 3D physics engines
  • Game development
  • Open source software
  • Physics engines comparison
  • Game engines

What commenters say

  • Box3D's similarity to Box2D and its open source nature make it an attractive option for game developers who value customization and community support.
  • The choice between Box3D and other physics engines, such as Jolt, depends on the specific needs of the game and the developer's preferences.
  • Some developers have had negative experiences with older physics engines, such as ODE, due to issues with compatibility and maintenance.
  • The use of physics engines in game development is often a trade-off between realism and gameplay, with some developers preferring more arcade-like mechanics.
  • Box2D, the 2D counterpart to Box3D, has undergone significant changes and improvements in recent years, but may still not be suitable for all types of 2D games.
  • The development of Box3D is seen as a positive addition to the open source physics engine landscape, which has been relatively sparse in recent years.