Hello Everyone,
I hope you are well. This week I’d like to write a few words about one of the key mechanics in the game, the differential lock. Our prototype interface in the demo didn’t explain much, though I hope it helped to learn which buttons to push, at least.
Heavy Duty Challenge demo screenshot: diff lock information in the bottom right, plus a pop-up in the middle
Source: Nano Games
In general, the differential is a mechanism that allows the wheels to spin with different speeds. When you drive, it makes it easier and safer to take tight turns, for example.
So why would you want to lock the differential?
The mechanism affects the distribution of power to the wheels. When you lose traction on one wheel (e.g. it stops touching the ground, or touches a slippery surface), there may not be enough torque on the other wheel to keep the truck going forward. Especially in difficult terrain or when you’re driving up a hill.
In the game, like in real trucks, you’ll be able to lock the differentials and this way – to put it simply - you’ll have some control over which wheels and axles get a portion of the power.
These are possible locks in a 3-axle truck, like the MAN on the screen above.
Inter-axle lock gets power transmitted equally to both rear axles
Central diff lock between the front and back – power is sent to all axles
Inter-wheel lock on the 2nd and 3rd axle – the four wheels in the back spin with the same speed
Inter-wheel lock on the front axle – all diff locks are on, equal distribution of power to the wheels
So why would you ever have the diff lock off? It puts strain on the axles, makes the tires wear out quicker and taking those tight turns will be more difficult.
I bet some of you know even more about the physics and mechanics of the differential or have some thoughts on how it should work in the game – leave a comment or jump to our Discord to share!
Best,
Łukasz Pleśniarowicz, Lead Designer
Nano Games Team
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