AGEIA’s NovodeX Physics SDK Opens New Frontier In Game Realism

AGEIA Technologies | SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - March 8, 2005 - AGEIA^TM Technologies, Inc., a company dedicated to delivering pervasive interactive reality to next-generation games, today announced the latest version of its NovodeX^TM Physics SDK, a powerful middleware physics engine for creating dynamic physical environments on all major game platforms.

The NovodeX Physics SDK is the first and only asynchronous (multithreaded) physics API capable of unleashing the power of multiprocessor gaming systems. It also is the only SDK to offer comprehensive API support for the first-ever physics processing unit, AGEIA's PhysX^TM chip.

"The NovodeX Physics SDK has been available for over a year, which has given game developers a head start in implementing game features that will leverage the hardware acceleration of the PhysX chip," said Manju Hegde, CEO and co-founder of AGEIA. "Because of this strategy, we expect to see top-tier game titles in the market by Christmas 2005 that can take advantage of hardware acceleration and deliver unprecedented interactive realism."

"We considered many options in our search for a powerful physics engine for the next generation of games, but none impressed us in performance and capabilities as the NovodeX Physics SDK," said Tim Johnson, technical director at Artificial Studios. "Our artists will now have the ability to create realistic character interaction and movement that they only dreamed of in the past. NovodeX is very easy to implement and integrate into our existing workflow, and the support from AGEIA has been tremendous."

Rapid Industry Adoption

The game industry has been quick to realize the power of the NovodeX SDK, with leading publishers such as Atari, SEGA, and Ubisoft offering support. NovodeX also provides plug-in interfaces for major 3D tools vendors, enabling animators to view their work in a familiar environment. Major game developers are also on board with NovodeX, such as Big Huge Games, Artificial Studios and Epic Games, who recently incorporated NovodeX into their acclaimed Unreal Engine 3.

A Quantum Stride in Physics-based Gaming

The incorporation of physics middleware into the game development process has already provided the industry with a huge boost in realism and interactive gameplay. The NovodeX SDK heralds the next leap forward with its support for upcoming multi processor platforms and for platforms with hardware physics acceleration.

The NovodeX SDK is a compelling addition to the game developer's toolset with its easy implementation and innovative features. The suite includes a blazingly fast and stable rigid body solver, versatile collision detection, and hitherto unavailable features such as real-time fluids and smart particle systems.

Availability

The NovodeX Physics SDK, is available now by registering as part of the AGEIA Developer Program. Demonstrations of the PhysX PPU will be on display by appointment only at the Game Developers Conference March 9-11 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Learn why more than 60 game development studios, companies, and research institutes use NovodeX technologies. Type www.ageia.com, e-mail [email protected] or visit us at the Game Developer Conference in ExpoSuite 30.

About AGEIA

AGEIA^TM Technologies Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company dedicated to delivering pervasive interactive reality to next-generation games. Its flagship product, the PhysX^TM chip, is the world's first dedicated Physics Processing Unit (PPU) - a completely new hardware category that bridges the gap between static virtual worlds and responsive physical reality. The PhysX chip allows developers to use active physics-based environments for a more life-like entertainment experience. For more information visit www.ageia.com/.

AGEIA, PhysX and NovodeX are trademarks of AGEIA Technologies, Inc. All other products are trademarks of their respective companies.

Media Contact: Kim Stowe, 408-839-8750, [email protected]