Sudden Death
Sudden death activates when matches run long, dramatically increasing intensity to force a conclusion.
Configuration Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| enabled | Toggle sudden death | Activates time-based pressure |
| afterFrames | Trigger delay from start | Time before activation |
| gravityMultiplier | Gravity scaling | Dramatically increases pull |
| centerShiftRadius | Gravity center orbit | Creates moving gravity well |
| centerShiftPeriodFrames | Center orbit period | Controls spiral speed |
| orbAttraction | Inter-orb gravity | Draws orbs together |
| tangentImpulseMul | Boundary kick multiplier | Increases bounce chaos |
| restitutionMul | Bounce energy multiplier | More energetic collisions |
Current Configuration
Enabled: Yes
Trigger: 600 frames (~5 seconds)
Gravity: 2x multiplier
Center Shift: 0.1 radius, 150-frame period
Orb Attraction: 0
Tangent Impulse: 5x multiplier
Restitution: 1.2x multiplier
Activation Timeline
Frame 0 Game starts
│
Frame 600 Sudden death begins (when 2 orbs remain)
│ ├── Gravity increases (2x)
│ ├── Boundary kicks amplified (5x)
│ ├── Bounce energy increased (1.2x)
│ └── Center starts spiraling
│
▼
Game ends When 1 unique player remains
(splits allowed - tracks owners, not orb count)
Effects
Gravity multiplies over the transition period. The gravity center orbits, creating a whirlpool effect. Orbs are pulled toward each other, this forces confrontation between remaining orbs.
During sudden death:
- Boundary bounces become more chaotic (5x tangent impulse)
- Collisions are more energetic (1.2x restitution)
- Gravity center spirals, creating a whirlpool
- Orb splits are allowed (game tracks unique players, not orb count)
Gameplay Impact
| Phase | Gameplay |
|---|---|
| Normal | Tactical, spacing matters |
| Early SD | Center becomes dangerous |
| Mid SD | Hard to avoid center |
| Full SD | Chaotic, forced confrontation |
Design Purpose
Sudden death serves multiple purposes:
- Time limit: Prevents infinite games
- Excitement: Dramatic finish
- Fairness: Forces resolution
Next Steps
- Parameter Reference - All parameters
- Engine Overview - Full engine architecture
- Gravity System - Normal gravity mechanics