Position-based real-time simulation of large crowds.

•We show how crowds can be simulated within the PBD framework by augmenting it with agent-based planning velocities.•We adopt the position-based frictional contact constraints of granular materials to model local collision avoidance.•XSPH viscosity approximates collective group behavior. Our model permits the natural development of agent groups.•We develop a novel long-range collision avoidance constraint to deal with anticipatory collisions.•We demonstrate “multi-species” crowd coupling by supporting spatially varying Lagrangian physical properties.