Computer Games: Bullet Trajectories

by Christine Dumas

Submitted : Fall 2011

The purpose of this project is to see if the equations of motion can be used to accurately calculate the trajectory of a bullet with a given velocity on a field map in a first person shooter game. The method of derivative calculus is used to derive the general equations of motion which are used to predict the trajectories of the bullet in each scenario. Software gaming companies use these calculated trajectories to implement the most realistic shot and differentiate that shot depending on the gun model and bullet caliber. The equations of motion were able to successfully determine the trajectories of the bullets in all scenarios. From the information gathered it was concluded whether or not each trajectory was in range to cause a “head shot.”

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