one dataset · paper, tables, graph, wiki
simgrammar the grammar of simulation

parts

10 mechanics, as Arma 3 does them

core · 4

control & automation

Direct avatar control

The player is one soldier in first person; clothing and carried equipment add weight that reduces movement speed and stamina.

conflict & defense

Military operations

Infantry, armor, helicopters, jets, and boats share one large terrain, and weapons are heavily affected by external ballistics and recoil, so range and load-out shape every engagement.

multiplayer & persistence

Modding API

The Eden 3D editor and the SQF scripting language let players build single-player and multiplayer scenarios and mods, from realism overhauls to new game modes.

physics & materials

Projectile ballistics

Weapons are heavily affected by external ballistics and recoil, so shooters account for drop and travel time at range.

supporting · 6

multiplayer & persistence

Content sharing

Scenarios and mods are shared through the Steam Workshop.

environment & ecology

Day-night cycle

biology & health

Injury body model

progression & goals

Scenario objectives

control & automation

Unit commands

Squad leaders issue orders to AI subordinates.

environment & ecology

Weather

core loop

load a scenario or join a server -> move and coordinate as infantry or vehicle crew -> spot and engage under ballistics and recoil -> manage load, stamina, and wounds -> complete objectives or die -> build and share new scenarios

design notes

Arma 3 treats the battlefield as a sandbox: large terrains of up to 163 square kilometers host infantry, vehicles, and aircraft under the same ballistic rules, and scenarios define the war. Much of its life comes from community scenarios and mods built with the Eden editor and SQF scripting, while Bohemia's military consultants reviewed its Tac-Ops missions. Projectile ballistics is not yet a mechanic in the taxonomy (proposal projectile-ballistics).

appears in

the paper, 2 sections · 2 chapters
paper

5. The structure of the design space

linked in this section of the paper

paper
paper

Appendix A. Game catalog

linked in this section of the paper

paper
catalog

The catalog

listed with its year, developer, subgenre, and number of mechanics

book
ch 1

Chapter 1. Same parts

linked from the text

book
ch 4

Chapter 4. Families

linked from the text

book

sources

1
Wikipedia contributors (2026). Arma 3. Wikipedia

provenance

runs in log/runs
2026-10-24
created2026-10-24-catalog-gicatalog