PPU usage in GRAW

Havok: Here are a few facts that we’d be happy to substantiate:

Havok Physics (on the CPU) is used for all game-play physics in both the multiplayer and single-player PC versions of the game. All persistent collidable objects in the game are simulated using Havok software technology running on the CPU.

AGEIA: That is true. AGEIA PhysX had to be layered on top of Havok to extend the physics effects beyond that which could be achieved with CPU only. Imagine what you’ll see in tomorrow’s games in which all resources can be dedicated to PhysX without the hinderance of a software physics engine that runs on general purpose hardware.

Havok: Havok’s logo is on the GRAW PC box, substantiating Havok’s use in the game (confirmed by Ubisoft marketing).

AGEIA: Not sure the point of that notation, but the PhysX logo is on there too.

Havok: Havok was also used in recent GRAW releases including Xbox360, Xbox, and PS2 skus.

AGEIA: That is true. We have no reason to dispute that. It is also true that AGEIA’s PhysX software technology is used to extend the physics features in the Xbox360 version. In fact PhysX is the core SDK in the single-player version of GRAW 360 – it’s not an extension of Havok in that SKU.

Havok: AGEIA Novodex is said to be used in the single-player GRAW version for added PPU-accelerated effects – at the most AGEIA appears to be used for particle effects – and in no-way affects game-play outcome.


AGEIA: It’s true that PhysX is used for effects, but it goes beyond simple particle effects that one would expect when enabling physics in software. AGEIA PhysX is global within the game, but are very distinct within each level:

Explosions are physically simulated with a combination of rigid-body and particle behaviors. Objects in the game blow apart with a cloud of realistic dust and smoke that drifts with the force of the explosion. Fragments bounce off each other and the surroundings, damaging other game objects, and impacting the environment.

With PhysX all destructible objects in the game now explode with greater realism.

All other particle behaviors in the game are physically simulated, including trash and grit blowing in the street, and bullets kicking up shards of any object shot in the environment.

AGEIA Smart Particle Fluids are utilized to enable enveloping smoke from explosions. There is no equivalent effect without PhysX.

Note: AGEIA incorporated the Novodex into a complete physics software technology branded as PhysX. There is no such product name as AGEIA Novodex.