Abstract: A method of forming a computer game that is arranged to move an object along a path in a virtual environment of the computer game, wherein the method comprises steps of: (a) performing a plurality of object movement simulations for an object, wherein each simulation comprises moving that object with a respective speed along a path with a respective curvature in the virtual environment to determine whether that object can successfully travel along that path at that speed; (b) using the simulations to determine a relationship between curvature and a corresponding speed with which the object can successfully travel along a path with that curvature; and (c) storing data indicating the relationship as a part of the computer game.

Abstract: A method of moving an object within a virtual environment, the method comprising: providing a reference line within the virtual environment; based on a position of the object relative to the reference line, determining a target position for the object within the virtual environment; and controlling the object so as to guide the object within the virtual environment towards the target position.

Abstract: A method of controlling the appearance of an object in a virtual environment of a computer game, in which the computer game is arranged to move the object within the virtual environment, the method comprising: associating with the object a three-dimensional array of nodes by storing, for each node, data defining a position of that node in a coordinate system for the object; defining a first shape of the object by associating each of a first plurality of locations on the object with a respective predetermined position relative to one or more of the nodes; detecting a collision of the object with an item in the virtual environment; adjusting the position of one or more of the nodes to represent the collision, thereby adjusting the first shape of the object; and outputting an image of the object based on the adjusted first shape of the object.