SIGGRAPH: Ageia Announces Software Support for PhysX

Ageia Technologies, Inc. has announced that Softimage Co. will support the Ageia PhysX SDK and the Ageia PhysX processor with the upcoming release of Softimage IXSI version 5. Autodesk’s 3ds Max will also be supported, through an Ageia-supplied plug-in, and Ageia will continue to support the COLLADA digital asset exchange schema. PhysX is the world’s first Physics Processing Unit (PPU), designed to offload software physics processing from the CPU and GPU, handling the physics separately of all other processes. The PhysX Processor Architecture has been designed to accelerate rigid body dynamics, universal collision detection, and hair simulation among other features. The PhysX plug-in enables artists to create, test, and export game physics while working in their 3D software environment of choice. COLLADA (Collaborative Design Activity) provides a standardized method of physics implementation in game development environments, and is supported by Alias, Avid, and Autodesk. COLLADA’s goal is to establish an open standard digital asset schema for interactive 3D applications. “We support open physics standards that will help make physics a high impact feature of gameplay through tight integration with content creation tools,” said Andy Keane, VP of marketing at Ageia. The announcements originated from Ageia’s presence at Siggraph, and more information can be found by visiting Ageia’s booth at the Los Angeles-based convention.