🚀 go-pugleaf

On Wed, 25 Aug 1999 21:30:41 +0300, "Elmo All�n" <el...@saunalahti.fi> wrote:

> Perhaps it is time to dump the whole tile system. Why couldn't anybody make
> a game that is based on coordinates.

The bottom line is lack of processor power. Simulations work in general terms by 
having small intervals of "simulated time", between which all the positions of the 
objects are calculated, decisions made, and then redisplayed. In order to make the
simulation run in real time, all those calculations must be performed within the same 
interval of "real time". 

To simulate to a "real world" accuracy (maybe down to a few 
metres) you would need a very small time step, and have to perform
a hell of a lot of calculations. Also if you divide the world into large chunks you 
can optimise calculations with look up tables, which you couldn't do using more 
accurate calculations. 

The faster supercomputers in the world (Crays) are
put to use doing simulations of the world, namely weather forecasting, though 
obviously to be useful these have to be done in a lot less than real time ;-)

As computers get quicker, the time and distance steps will be reduced, and we'll 
get better simulations. 10 years ago I was playing simulations which were really 
incredibly crude, and I marvel at what is achieved now with programs like
Transport Tycoon and Flight Simulator. I often just sit back and watch and forget to play!

Actually, all computer progams are simulations of the real world, so basically all effort 
in computer technology is directed at producing better simulations. The ultimate goal is 
virtual reality.