Mathematics creates computer games
October24
Missy is 6 years old and loves building things. MineCraft is based on blocks that link to make new spaces and gives her that stimulating, creative outlet. She is also enjoying and doing well in her Math.
Mathematics is widely used for modelling real life situations via simulation or strategy games. These types of games usually involve building an environment (such as a city) and building a group of people (or civilisation) to populate it, defend it, or attack it. This includes, of course, the game called “Civilization” and army-based ones such as “Command and Conquer”. The goal of modern computer games is to harness the superior processor speed of new hardware to build a game environment that looks and feels as realistic as possible. Each new object is based on the Geometry for that object and uses points, lines, planes and cubes:
This requires some really good use of mathematical programming in order to create 3D spaces and movement that simulate the real world. As an example, Flight Sims and X-plane allows the user to experience flying. Microsoft’s Flight Simulator takes this to a high level.
There are many opportunities for young mathematicians to take their talents into programming for new games and simulations and H3 encourages those who love this stuff to try to do a summer internship with a local company that can provide some experience.Read more about the mathematics behind simulation games here.
