Spelmotor

Spelmotor, or game engine, is a software framework designed to help developers create, render, and run interactive digital games. It provides a collection of subsystems and tools that handle the heavy lifting of game development, allowing designers and programmers to focus on game content rather than low-level code. A game engine typically offers components for rendering, physics, input, audio, animation, artificial intelligence, networking, scripting, and asset management, all integrated into a cohesive workflow.

Rendering engines manage real-time graphics and visual effects; physics engines simulate rigid or soft body dynamics and collisions; animation systems coordinate character motion; audio subsystems handle spatial sound and music; scripting lets developers implement gameplay logic; AI controls non-player characters; networking supports multiplayer; the asset pipeline automates import, optimization, and packaging of art and data.

Tools and editors are often included, providing scene composition, level design, debugging, profiling, and hot-reloading of assets during iteration. Engines vary in licensing and integration: some are commercial with royalties or subscriptions; others are open source or free to use. Developers may also use middleware or modular engines, combining a rendering or physics library with a separate framework.

Common examples include Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot, each offering cross-platform deployment and a different balance of usability, performance, and source access. Spelmotor play a central role in modern game development by standardizing common tasks, enabling rapid iteration, and supporting teams of varying sizes—from indie projects to large studios.