Fundamentals of Vehicle Simulation Design

Summary

Vehicle simulations require a designer to knowledgeably represent a known physical world in a realistic and fun manner to the player. You should spend time learning about the characteristics of the vehicles you wish to simulate within the game, work to adapt the core mechanics to the limitations of the UI, and devise and create compelling opponents and courses for the player to use.

You should determine whether the audience of your game will be purists or casual players, and design core game mechanics to satisfy them. For the purist, the simulation needs to be the most accurate representation of the vehicle possible, whereas for the casual player, the ability to pick up and play trumps any complicated realism.

The most critical things ...