As in previous versions, Havoks realtime physics technology has been upgraded for Autodesks 3ds Max 9. The softwares 64-bit architecture makes it easier to work with the massive datasets required for next-generation digital content creation. The upgrade of Havok Physics in 3ds Max 9 means that greater numbers of interacting objects can be simulated in realtime, helping digital artists manage the increasing complexity of 3D datasets characteristic of next-generation game, film, broadcast and design development.
Autodesk 3ds Max 9 has been optimized to improve the workflow of digital artists creating content for next-generation games, captivating film and television, and inspiring design visualizations, said Michel Besner, Autodesks Media & Ent. senior director of product management. "To achieve this, weve focused on addressing the challenges of working with large amounts of complex data. One of the solutions that has been incorporated into 3ds Max 9 is Havok Physics. This technology improves the scalability of the physics simulation, giving artists the ability to create far more realistic environments.
Jeff Yates, Havoks vp, product management, sees the upgrade in Havok Physics as an evolution in the strong, long-standing relationship between Autodesk and Havok, based on a shared commitment to developing content creation tools that evolve with customers needs. Like Havok, Autodesks priority is to help its customers address the challenges faced when working with larger amounts of complex data and scaling to bigger production teams. Digital artists using 3ds Max 9 incorporating Havok Physics will see improved core performance and productivity, which is essential to delivering content that optimizes the potential of next-generation technology.
Havok works in partnership with the worlds best-known game developers, including Sony, THQ, Microsoft, EA, Ubisoft and Activision. Havoks cross-platform, professionally supported technology is available for the PlayStation 2 &3, PSP, Xbox, Xbox360, Wii, GameCube and the PC. Havoks technology has been used in more than 160 of the worlds best known game titles, including HALO 2, HALF LIFE 2, THE ELDER SCROLLS IV: OBLIVION, AGE OF EMPIRES III, SAINTS ROW and CARS.
Havok products have also been used to drive vfx in movies such as POSEIDON, THE MATRIX, TROY, KINGDOM OF HEAVEN and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.
Havok was founded in 1998 in Dublin, Ireland, and has offices in San Francisco, San Antonio, Stockholm, Calcutta, Munich and Tokyo.
Autodesk Inc. (www.autodesk.com) is a Fortune 1000 company. With seven million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the manufacturing, building, infrastructure, wireless data services and media and entertainment fields. Autodesks solutions help customers create, manage and share their data and digital assets more effectively. Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
