Last Updated:
07
/
31
/
2008
NVIDIA APEX for Developers
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 the simulation of a physical 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 consuming 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
- Vertical Modules
- Pre-built gameplay 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:
