I'm working on a project that's been stalled for a bit while I learn programming in C++. I'm trying to create a hard science fiction space combat game that involves large fleets, which means handling potentially millions of projectiles at once. Unfortunately, mainstream game engines just won't cut it for what I need.
My goal is to develop an engine that's specifically designed to manage large numbers of objects and compute their orbits accurately. I'm not looking for a quick fix and fully expect this to take years of dedicated effort.
Are there any resources out there for building a game engine from scratch, or should I just dive in and figure it out as I go? I want to be clear that this isn't an attempt to reinvent the wheel, but I really need something tailored to my project's requirements.
3 Answers
Don't get discouraged! Developing a game engine is no small feat, but with the right mindset and resources, you can absolutely pull it off. I suggest looking into community forums and documentation on simulation engines too. It might offer insights relevant to your needs.
Check out the Handmade Hero video series! It’s a fantastic resource that takes you through the process of building a game engine from scratch. Perfect for what you're trying to do!
It's great to hear you're aiming for high fidelity in your game! Just a heads up, whether your design is 100% science-based can greatly influence your development choices. Make sure to consider how real-world physics will impact gameplay as you go.

Absolutely, I'm planning to keep it nearly 100% accurate to real life. I've accepted that it might be a painful process!