rubber-banding
Artificial difficulty adjustment
Rubber-banding describes the snapping motion of a stretched rubber band returning to its original position.
In video games, it refers to a catch-up mechanic where trailing competitors gain advantages to stay competitive: The AI uses rubber-banding, so last place always catches up.
It also describes network lag where a character appears to jump backward to a previous position: I was rubber-banding all over the map.
Sudden return to position
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- tensionStretched or strained state
- oscillationRepeated back-and-forth movement
- deformationChange in shape
equilibrium · displacement · amplitude · damping · momentum · vibration · pendulum
Pull to extend
- snapSudden sharp sound
- tensionStretched or strained state
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- elongationIncrease in length
contraction · rebound · latex · polymer · elastomer · neoprene · silicone · bungee
Period of falling behind
- desyncLoss of timing alignment
- latencyDelay in system response
- pingBrief metallic tone
- rubberbandingArtificial competitive balancing
teleporting · snapback · multiplayer · netcode · server · connection · jitter · stutter
snapback
Sudden return to position
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- tensionStretched or strained state
- oscillationRepeated back-and-forth movement
deformation · equilibrium · displacement · amplitude · damping · momentum · vibration · pendulum
stretch
Pull to extend
- snapSudden sharp sound
- tensionStretched or strained state
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
elongation · contraction · rebound · latex · polymer · elastomer · neoprene · silicone · bungee · spandex
lag
Period of falling behind
rubberbanding · teleporting · snapback · multiplayer · netcode · server · connection · jitter · stutter · hitbox
racing
Speed competition sport
- balancingAchieving equal distribution
- handicapImposed competitive disadvantage
- comebackRecovery after decline
trailing · leader · pacing · competition · fairness · boost · slowdown
rubber, band, rubbers, rubbery, rubberize, rubberized, rubberizing, bands, banded