Last Updated:
07
/
15
/
2008
NVIDIA APEX for Developers
Available In Early 2008
NVIDIA APEX (Adaptive Physics EXtensions) provides game designers and developers with a streamlined method for implementing best-in-class physical interactions. This new offering saves considerable engineering time and increases efficiencies throughout the development of cutting-edge titles, regardless of the platform and enables designers to more directly utilize NVIDIA’s powerful physics engine with minimal technical assistance.
It Scales
One of the most valuable aspects of NVIDIA APEX is the integrated scaling - a first for physics middleware. This allows for a physically simulated event to be scaled to meet the processing capabilities of the platform without creating multiple unique events or lower-impact events designed for min-spec configurations. Simply put, a single physical event (like glass shattering or a pipe bursting) can be scaled up or down in terms of detail without additional engineering work.
This scaling technology is wholly controlled by the game so as not to complicate testing and can be implemented via a UI slider to enable direct player control over their gameplay experience.
Pipeline for Success
NVIDIA APEX is custom tailored for the game engine and is built to provide a completely seamless implementation of the best-in-class NVIDIA PhysX technology. This translates into a unique engine-optimized platform which can utilize more physical interactions while taking up as few system resources as possible. NVIDIA APEX will be built into Epic’s Unreal Engine 3.0 initially and available as part of the developer distribution.
NVIDIA APEX Modules
Beyond simply providing a smarter, faster pathway to game physics, NVIDIA APEX is implemented using Modules. Modules are essentially pre-built, highly tuned physically-driven scenarios which further optimize the game development process and make implementation of the technology possible for a wide range of developers and artists. NVIDIA APEX ships with two modules: Emmitters and Destruction, both of which are included at no additional charge with APEX.
NVIDIA APEX is comprised of three core components:
- Pipeline Offload
- Engine optimizations for optimum game performance
- Modules
- Pre-built game play scenarios designed for easy implementation
- Scaling Level Of Detail
- Allows the physics simulation to scale to the capabilities of the machine.
Additional NVIDIA APEX Info
PhysX Links at Developer.NVIDIA.Com:
