Just ahead of the release of Remedy's long-awaited Alan Wake, Intel-owned Havok reveals its Physics tool was used to create the Xbox 360 title's visual effects. Alan Wake is aiming squarely for the thriller genre, which casts the titular protagonist in the eerie town of Bright Falls and its environs. Cinematic sequences are often key to the game's intended effects, and Havok says that's why its Physics engine was important in driving the interaction between Alan and his world. Remedy development director Markus Maki agrees: "Havok Physics was deeply integrated into our tool chain and in-house engine to maximize its full potential," he says, praising the tool for helping Remedy "deliver fully on our ambition for Alan Wake." Havok European sales head Andrew Bowell said Havok's European team and Remedy worked closely together during the title's development for "optimum effect." Havok Physics' collision detection and physical simulation has been used in almost 270 games, the company says.