Game physics simulates real-world behavior in virtual environments. From gravity and collision to friction and velocity, physics brings realism and interactivity to games—whether it’s a bouncing ball or a ragdoll character.

Key concepts:

1. Rigid Bodies: Represent physical objects that move and respond to forces.
2. Colliders: Define the shape for collision detection (box, sphere, polygon).
3. Forces and Impulses: Used to move or push objects (AddForce() in Unity).
4. Gravity: Pulls objects down at a defined rate.
5. Friction & Drag: Slow down movement based on surfaces and air resistance.
6. Kinematic Bodies: Manually controlled objects not affected by physics forces.

2D vs. 3D Physics:

• Use Rigidbody2D, BoxCollider2D in 2D games.
• Use Rigidbody, MeshCollider, or CapsuleCollider for 3D environments.

Common uses:

• Platformer jumps and falls.
• Projectile motion and explosions.
• Vehicle handling and crash simulation.
• Puzzle and ragdoll mechanics.

Modern game engines like Unity, Unreal, and Godot provide built-in physics engines (e.g., PhysX, Bullet). While you don’t need to be a physicist, understanding basic principles helps you create believable and fun interactions.