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Genre: Platformer
THE ART OF
THE JUMP
It is the oldest genre in gaming. Whether 2D or 3D, the goal is simple: Defy gravity, traverse the gap, and stick the landing.
Game Feel: Coyote Time
Great platformers don't follow the laws of physics; they follow the laws of fun. "Coyote Time" allows players to jump even after they've walked off a ledge, preventing frustration.
Coyote Time
The hidden window of time developers give you to jump *after* leaving a ledge.
10 Frames
Press SPACE to Jump!
Forgiveness Window
1985 - 1995
The Side Scroller
Strict X/Y axis movement. Precision was key. The era of pixel-perfect jumps in Super Mario Bros and Sonic.
1996 - 2006
The Z-Axis
Super Mario 64 changed everything. Suddenly, jumping required spatial depth perception. The camera became the enemy.
2007 - Present
Spherical Physics
Gravity is no longer just "down." It pulls to the center of planetoids. See how Nintendo reinvented movement (again).
Launch Galaxy Case Study