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

parts

6 mechanics, as The Incredible Machine does them

core · 3

space & construction

Modular assembly

Levels supply a limited inventory of parts such as balls, ropes, pulleys, belts, electrical generators, cats, and mice that the player places among fixed objects; parts act on each other by contact, rope, or belt.

physics & materials

Rigid-body physics

A deterministic 2D physics engine with no random number generator moves balls, seesaws, and falling objects under level-set gravity and air pressure, so the same design always gives the same run.

progression & goals

Scenario objectives

Each puzzle states one simple goal, such as moving an object to a target, that must be met with only the parts provided.

supporting · 3

multiplayer & persistence

Content sharing

Freeform mode saves player-built puzzles, using any part, for others to solve.

physics & materials

Material interactions

Some parts react to others by fixed rules, such as a mouse running toward cheese.

control & automation

Signal circuits

Electrical generators driven by other parts power electrical devices in the contraption.

core loop

read the puzzle goal -> place the supplied parts among fixed objects -> start the machine -> watch the chain reaction -> adjust positions until the goal triggers

design notes

Each puzzle fixes some objects in a side-view scene and hands the player a small inventory of parts; the solution is a chain reaction where each part triggers the next, such as a ball dropping on a seesaw that frees a mouse that runs toward cheese. The physics engine models gravity and air pressure as global settings and has no random number generator, so a design behaves the same on every run and solutions are verifiable. A freeform mode exposes all parts so players can make puzzles for others.

appears in

the paper, 2 sections · 3 chapters · 2 episodes
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

linked from the text

book
ch 4

Chapter 4. Families

linked from the text

book
ch 9

Chapter 9. Vacant lots

named in the text

book
ep 2

Where the parts came from

on screen at 3:44 the founding games

episode
ep 3

Families across genres

on screen at 3:01 odd couples

episode

sources

1
Wikipedia contributors (2026). The Incredible Machine. Wikipedia

provenance

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