Sony adopts Ageia's physics chip for PS3

Iria · Jul 21, 2005, 09:56 PM

San Jose (CA) - Ageia has pocketed a huge deal for its physics engine that promises to make video games more realistic. Sony will integrate the technology in its upcoming game console Playstation 3 (PS3) and help to push Ageia's technology quickly into the gaming market.

The fastest graphics processor may not be enough anymore to achieve the best graphics performance in next generation video games after all. At least Sony believes that it needs to push the envelope even further in its next Playstation 3 console that is expected to be available in May of 2006.

According to an announcement made on Thursday, Sony entered a "strategic licensing agreement" with Ageia, and fabless chip developer that developed the "PhysX" processor. PhysX is a physics chip that is designed to aid the graphics processor in darwing realistic graphics on a screen. According to its developer, the device can simulate thousands of interacting fragments, which could create a greater illusion of reality. The behavior of 40,000 to 50,000 particles can be simulated per screen allowing the display of disintegrating walls, gelatinous characters, windswept hair, loose flowing clothing, or realistic display of damage in car racing games.
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Read More / Source: Tom's Hardware Guide

Necrosis · Jul 22, 2005, 12:32 AM

Hmm..I wonder how this is going to effect the pricing for when this comes out for PC. If it ever will now...

Shaga · Jul 22, 2005, 05:33 AM

If it does the job, someone will make it definetly.

CDsDontBurn · Jul 22, 2005, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necrosis

Hmm..I wonder how this is going to effect the pricing for when this comes out for PC. If it ever will now...

if anything, it should lower the cost because it would already be available.

MSX · Jul 22, 2005, 06:11 AM

I'm skeptical of the whole 'physX' chip. Really all it is is a processor with a bunch of pre defined values on it. Sure it takes weight off your processor, but how much?

I see the chip more making things easier on programmers(once they get the hang of it) more than the end user. When Geomod is already old and programmers have shown realistic hair and hundreds of realistically moving objects with what we have I don't see this doing anything but making it possible for sloppy programming to run well.

If the PX chip will only make it if GFX/MB makers use the chip. It is as simple as that. Till they are common programmers wont program for them.

Alcofiel · Jul 22, 2005, 10:21 AM

sorry if everybody knows this but it's not the chip, it's the sdk:

Quote:

Through the agreement, Sony has obtained the sublicensing rights for the AGEIA PhysX SDK (aka NovadeX) for use in its own PlayStation 3 SDK (software development kit).

Apparently, the reason Sony wanted to incorporate the PhysX SDK into its own toolset is because of the kit's multi-threading capabilities (which make it ideal for the multi-tasking beast that is the Cell processor). The licensing agreement gives Sony and AGEIA the opportunity to optimize PhysX for PS3 use, while frontline support will be provided by SCEI directly.

Demigod · Jul 22, 2005, 12:46 PM

Im glad someone pointed thout out.
This just relates to the sdk not the chip. the sdk is multithreaded and should do well on the 7 spu's if they can programme it right.
The main point of interest here should be that sony can sub licence this tech to devs working for them, making the dev's costs lower, and ensuring a higher level of support. Much like their deal with epic for the unreal engine.

Jul 21, 2005, 09:56 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Sony adopts Ageia's physics chip for PS3 San Jose (CA) - Ageia has pocketed a huge deal for its physics engine that promises to make video games more realistic. Sony will integrate the technology in its upcoming game console Playstation 3 (PS3) and help to push Ageia's technology quickly into the gaming market. The fastest graphics processor may not be enough anymore to achieve the best graphics performance in next generation video games after all. At least Sony believes that it needs to push the envelope even further in its next Playstation 3 console that is expected to be available in May of 2006. According to an announcement made on Thursday, Sony entered a "strategic licensing agreement" with Ageia, and fabless chip developer that developed the "PhysX" processor. PhysX is a physics chip that is designed to aid the graphics processor in darwing realistic graphics on a screen. According to its developer, the device can simulate thousands of interacting fragments, which could create a greater illusion of reality. The behavior of 40,000 to 50,000 particles can be simulated per screen allowing the display of disintegrating walls, gelatinous characters, windswept hair, loose flowing clothing, or realistic display of damage in car racing games. ___________ Read More / Source: Tom's Hardware Guide

Jul 22, 2005, 05:33 AM	#3
Shaga Intelligent Life Form Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nordic Region Posts: 383 Rep Power: 48 System Specs	If it does the job, someone will make it definetly. __________________ Server: Currently Offline

Jul 22, 2005, 12:32 AM	#2
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Hmm..I wonder how this is going to effect the pricing for when this comes out for PC. If it ever will now...

Jul 22, 2005, 06:11 AM	#5
MSX Burning the frozen... Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 1,201 Rep Power: 0	I'm skeptical of the whole 'physX' chip. Really all it is is a processor with a bunch of pre defined values on it. Sure it takes weight off your processor, but how much? I see the chip more making things easier on programmers(once they get the hang of it) more than the end user. When Geomod is already old and programmers have shown realistic hair and hundreds of realistically moving objects with what we have I don't see this doing anything but making it possible for sloppy programming to run well. If the PX chip will only make it if GFX/MB makers use the chip. It is as simple as that. Till they are common programmers wont program for them.

Jul 22, 2005, 12:46 PM	#7
Demigod DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 102 Rep Power: 0	Im glad someone pointed thout out. This just relates to the sdk not the chip. the sdk is multithreaded and should do well on the 7 spu's if they can programme it right. The main point of interest here should be that sony can sub licence this tech to devs working for them, making the dev's costs lower, and ensuring a higher level of support. Much like their deal with epic for the unreal engine.