A Unity 3D framework for algorithm animation

Since the first algorithm animation interactive computer system called BALSA appeared in 1984, many algorithm animation and visualization applications have been developed for educational purposes. Modern game engines (like Unity 3D and Unreal) possess a multitude of features which are vital for algorithm animation applications. Until now, these features have not been systematically exploited for educational applications. In this paper, we circumvent conventional programming languages (such as Java, C++, etc.) and their corresponding toolkits and instead describe our design of an alglorithm animation framework built around Unity 3D and demonstrate its application to the educational realm of graph algorithm animation. This project serves as a proof of concept that modern game engines such as Unity 3D can be used to create modern and effective tools for learning concepts contained in the realm of computer science and engineering.