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

parts

10 mechanics, as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does them

core · 3

physics & materials

Material interactions

The chemistry engine gives objects properties such as flammable, metallic, or conductive; fire ignites wood and grass, metal attracts lightning in storms and conducts electricity, and ice melts near fire.

physics & materials

Rigid-body physics

A modified Havok engine moves crates, boulders, and weapons; Magnesis lifts metal objects, Stasis freezes an object so stored hits launch it, and Cryonis raises ice pillars from water, giving shrines and fights unscripted solutions.

biology & health

Survival meters

A stamina wheel limits sprinting, climbing, swimming, and gliding; hearts are health, and ambient cold and heat damage the player without matching clothing or elixirs.

supporting · 7

environment & ecology

Day-night cycle

Time of day changes enemy and creature activity, and the Blood Moon respawns defeated enemies.

control & automation

Direct avatar control

Link can climb almost any surface, glide, ride horses, and use runes.

environment & ecology

Fire spread

Fire spreads across grass in the wind direction and produces updrafts that the paraglider can ride.

resources & production

Hand crafting

Cooking combines up to five ingredients in a pot into meals or elixirs whose effects and duration depend on the ingredients.

physics & materials

Heat transfer

Region temperature and fire sources set a temperature gauge that damages the player beyond tolerance.

risk & failure

Wear and breakdown

Weapons, bows, and shields lose durability with use and shatter; the Master Sword recharges instead.

environment & ecology

Weather

Rain makes surfaces too slippery to climb, and thunderstorms strike metal equipment with lightning.

core loop

spot a landmark -> climb, glide, or ride toward it under stamina limits -> solve shrines and fights with physics and elemental interactions -> gather and cook ingredients -> replace broken weapons -> push farther into the world

design notes

The game is mostly authored content (map, shrines, story) and is included for its systemic layer. A modified Havok physics engine and a separate chemistry engine give objects material properties, so fire burns grass and creates updrafts, metal draws lightning and conducts electricity, wind carries flames and gliders, and cold or heat drains health unless countered by clothing or cooked food. Weapon durability and stamina force continual scavenging and route choice, and shrine puzzles accept any solution that satisfies the physical end condition.

appears in

the paper, 3 sections · 1 chapter
paper

3. The catalog

linked in this section of the paper

paper
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 4

Chapter 4. Families

linked from the text

book

sources

1
Wikipedia contributors (2026). The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Wikipedia

provenance

runs in log/runs
2026-10-24
created2026-10-24-catalog-ggcatalog
2026-10-25
reviewed2026-10-25-contributor-readinessmaintenance