game-loop

To make JavaScript game physics frame-rate independent, you implement a fixed timestep game loop with interpolation. This ensures deterministic physics calculations and smooth rendering across varying system performance and monitor refresh rates.

A fixed timestep game loop with interpolation is an architecture that separates physics updates from rendering. It uses time accumulation to execute physics at a fixed rate while interpolating visual states between updates to prevent visual stuttering.

You can implement hitstop and time scaling for game feel by using a game loop that supports time manipulation. This allows you to dynamically adjust the physics update rate to create slow-motion effects or freeze frames.

Browser games stutter on different monitor refresh rates when physics updates are tied directly to the render frame rate. Using a fixed timestep loop with interpolation decouples these processes, ensuring consistent game behavior and smooth visuals.

You need a fixed timestep for your browser-based game if consistent physics and smooth animation are critical. It guarantees deterministic calculations regardless of whether the player's system drops frames or uses a high refresh rate monitor.