THQ Signs Philips amBX Technology For Broken Sword

Officials from electronics firm Philips have announced that the company has signed a deal with publisher THQ to use amBX technology in the forthcoming graphic adventure title Broken Sword: The Angel of Death for the PC. 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. Blending a scripting language, software engine and architecture, the amBX platform was announced in 2005 but Broken Sword will be the first major game to make use of the concept. “With Philips’ amBX system we can create a Broken Sword game that is not only emotionally engaging but also a visual experience that is both dramatic and very unique,” said Mickey Torode, senior global brand manager at THQ. “Philips has been extremely supportive not only with the development of the game, but also in providing THQ the resources and technology to demonstrate the game alongside the new technology for our key partners.” “Angel of Death is an ideal game to pioneer our agreement with THQ”; innovative, and atmospheric with a strong narrative drive - but it really is just the beginning,” commented Jo Cooke, chief marketing officer for Philips amBX. “THQ’s profound understanding of the market and the strength in depth of its games portfolio will, I’m sure, enable the company to get some stunning results integrating amBX in its games.” Although Broken Sword: The Angel of Death seems a relatively unusual choice of game to use the technology, when compared to more obvious simulation based titles, Philip has suggested that it is in the closing stages of agreements with a number of “leading computer games developers, publishers and peripheral manufacturers” regarding amBX-enabling games and devices.