Mastering Game Loops: The Heartbeat of Every Game

Understand what game loops are, why they’re essential, and how to implement them in your own games.

Full Blog:

Every real-time game—whether it’s 2D or 3D—relies on one crucial concept: the game loop. It’s the engine that keeps your game alive, updating frames, physics, and rendering graphics smoothly.

What is a Game Loop?

A game loop is a continuous cycle that:

1. Processes player input
2. Updates game state
3. Renders visuals on the screen

This cycle repeats dozens of times per second, typically at 60 FPS.

A Basic JavaScript Game Loop

function gameLoop() {
  update();
  draw();
  requestAnimationFrame(gameLoop);
}
gameLoop();

Why It Matters

• Keeps animation smooth
• Ensures consistent gameplay
• Handles timing for physics and logic

Handling Delta Time

To avoid speed variation between devices, use delta time:

let lastTime = 0;

function loop(timestamp) {
  const delta = (timestamp - lastTime) / 1000;
  update(delta);
  draw();
  lastTime = timestamp;
  requestAnimationFrame(loop);
}
requestAnimationFrame(loop);

In Other Languages

• Python (Pygame) uses clock.tick(60)
• Unity has Update() and FixedUpdate()
• C++ often uses while(running) loops.

Best Practices

• Keep update and render functions separate.
• Avoid heavy computation in the loop.
• Use delta time for consistent gameplay.

✅ Key Takeaways:

• A stable game loop ensures smooth gameplay.
• Delta time makes your game frame-rate independent.
• Mastering loops is key to scaling from small to big games.