Philips, Kuju Partner For amBX Enabled Games

Officials from electronics giant Philips have announced that the company has signed a deal with UK developer Kuju Entertainment (Battalion Wars) to use amBX technology in its forthcoming titles, the first of which will be PC title Rail Simulator. The follow up to Kuju-developed Microsoft Train Simulator, Rail Simulator is scheduled to ship in the second quarter of 2007, and enables the use of steam, diesel, and electric trains on real routes in the UK and Germany. Philip’s amBX “sensory surround experience” allows compatible devices including lights, speakers, fans, heaters and even furniture to create a virtual environment that reacts to actions within the game. According to a note released by both Kuju and Philips confirming the arrangement, the amBX technology will be integrated into Rail Simulator in such a way as to attempt to recreate the game's sensory experience in the player's room while playing the game. Key to this will be the amBX scripting language, the game’s software engine, as well as enabled devices such as LED color-controlled lights, rumble peripherals and fans all “placed strategically” around the room. Blending this scripting language, software engine and architecture, the amBX platform was announced in 2005, with other titles such as THQ's adventure title Broken Sword also announced as taking advantage of the concept. "We’re delighted to be partnering with Philips amBX on Rail Simulator," said Jonathan Newth, managing director at Kuju Entertainment. "For any simulation an immersive experience is key and amBX features mean that gamers can greatly raise their level of immersion. Rail Simulator is going to set the new standard for graphics and fidelity, and the amBX features compliment that perfectly."