Nvidia gives PhysX to PlayStation 3 devs

Nvidia yesterday announced that it will be offering its PhysX SDK for free to registered PS3 developers. The technology generates real-time physics in games by calculating the trajectory of objects, their angles of collision, and their impact force. By using it, developers can make sure that in-game object interactions are unique every time, instead of re-using a standard animation each time.

The technology has been used in more than 150 games on PC/Mac, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii, including the Gears of War series, Mirror's Edge, and Unreal Tournament 3.

The majority of the titles employing PhysX have been PC games, but an upcoming title for PlayStation 3 called Heavy Rain will exploit PhysX.

In this demo, everything is is supposedly rendered in real time. While no dramatic car crashes or building demolitions take place, the subtle features such as the curtains, rain on the window, and windblown plants are no less sophisticated. (contains adult language)

The main competition to PhysX is Havok Physics from Irish software company Havok. That technology has been used in just as many games as PhysX, including PlayStation Network exclusive PAIN, a game which is arguably all physics.