Havok in Wii deal with 2K

02-07-2008

by Deirdre McArdle

Digital media firm Havok has signed an agreement with games developer 2K which will see its software being used in games for Nintendo's popular Wii console.

Under the terms of the licensing agreement, Havok's physics engine will be initially used by 2K in the 'Carnival Games: Mini Golf' game for the Wii. Havok's software will also be used in several new Wii titles during the year. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Essentially, Havok's physics engine allows game developers to portray motion and the effects a game character has on their environment more realistically. "Havok technology communicates with physical elements in the game and loads them with intelligence, allowing them to react to the players' actions in a realistic way. Of course, anyone who has used the Wii will recognise how important accurate movement is for the players' enjoyment of the game," said David O'Meara, managing director of Havok.

Havok, which is based in the Digital Hub in Dublin, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel. Its software -- specifically its physics engine software -- has been lauded by the gaming sector; it picked up an Emmy award from the US National Academy of Television, Arts & Sciences earlier this year.

Havok's technology currently features in over 200 titles, including 'Halo 3', 'Assassin's Creed' and 'Guitar Hero III'. At the moment there are 90 new games in development for release this year using Havok's software, which means use of its software is up 100 percent over last year, according to the firm.

The movie industry has also called on Havok's services with films such as 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix', '10,000 BC', 'X-Men: The Last Stand' and 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' all using the firm's technology to make their special effects appear more realistic.

Havok employs over 100 people worldwide in its offices in Dublin, San Francisco, San Antonio, Calcutta, Munich and Tokyo. The company made headlines in September last year when it was acquired by chip manufacturer Intel in a deal worth over USD100 million. It is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the company but continues to function as an independent business, creating developer tools for use across all gaming platforms and chipsets.