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

parts

7 mechanics, as SnowRunner does them

core · 3

economy & finance

Contracts and orders

Missions deliver cargo or complete construction and repair jobs; optional timed contests pay more the faster they are finished.

physics & materials

Terrain deformation

Mud, snow, and water react to each truck's weight, speed, and momentum, so ground conditions change as vehicles pass and can bog down underpowered or wrongly fitted trucks.

physics & materials

Vehicle dynamics

Tire types, frame attachments, and accessories such as exhaust snorkels for deep water and chain tires for snow change how each of over 60 trucks copes with terrain.

supporting · 4

control & automation

Embodied skill control

information & legibility

Fog of war

progression & goals

Milestone unlocks

Mechanical upgrades require reaching a progress threshold.

risk & failure

Wear and breakdown

Damage is shown on the vehicle model and in the interface and must be repaired.

core loop

take a delivery or repair task -> pick truck, tires, and attachments -> drive into deforming mud, snow, or water -> recover when stuck -> deliver cargo -> earn money and rank -> unlock upgrades and new trucks

design notes

Terrain is the antagonist: mud, snow, and water respond to vehicle weight, speed, and momentum, so route choice and tire type matter more than speed, and optional timed contests pay more for faster completion. The physics engine is the one Pavel Zagrebelnyy built for MudRunner, the sequel to Spintires. Mechanical upgrades such as snorkels and chain tires are gated behind progress thresholds, and up to four players can share a map.

appears in

the paper, 2 sections · 1 chapter
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 3

Chapter 3. Old parts

named in the text

book

sources

2
Wikipedia contributors (2026). SnowRunner. Wikipedia
(2026). SnowRunner on Steam. Steam

provenance

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