Crystal Dynamics Licenses BabelFlux's NavPower for Tomb Raider: Underworld

Middleware developer BabelFlux says Crystal Dynamics has licensed its NavPower AI middleware package for upcoming title Tomb Raider: Underworld. NavPower is a 3D AI motion planning tool featuring NavGraph auto-generation process, character steering, full 3D dynamic multi-core processing, streaming, and integrated visual debugging. Located in Mountain View, California, BabelFlux was established in 2005 with a focus on AI middleware for next-generation consoles and PC platforms. "We are pleased with the success that Crystal Dynamics has had using NavPower on Tomb Raider: Underworld," says BabelFlux CTO David Miles. "Features such as the 3-D dynamic obstacles really enhanced AI gameplay in some of their complex environments."