PhysX Dedicated Physics Processor Explored

Ned_Network writes "Yahoo! News & Reuters has a story about a start-up who have created a dedicated physics processor for gamers' PCs. The processor undertakes physics calculations for the CPU and is said to make gaming more realistic - examples such as falling rocks, exploding debris and the way that opponents collapse when you shoot them are cited as advantages of the chip. Only 6 current titles take advantage of the chip but the FAQ claims that another 100 are in production."

Is that what I think it is.

[kitsunewarlock]

Is that a chess game in that list? Why would a chess game need a phsyics engine. Perhaps the programmers would like to use an engine for animations (the king falling down perhaps?) instead of frame by frame and filler animation.

Game Play Processing Unit

[9mm Censor]

I want a GPPU. A card to enhance the game play of vids. Screw graphics and physics. I want a card that makes games more fun.

Re:Just in time for...

[thepotoo]

Dear Kj0n:

Thank you for your suggestion. We at 3D Realms pride ourselves on taking into account suggestions made by fans.
Unfortunately, we regret to inform you that Duke Nukem Forever will not be shipping with support for the referenced PhysX Dedicated Processor, because Infinium Labs' "Phantom" Console, our primary release platform, will not include such a card.

It is possible that a future port to Windows x128 will include support for the card. Please expect 15-20 year delays while we add support for the processor.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,
3D Realms.

I guess I need to get my eyes checked...

[andphi]

Because I could have sworn the article was about a "Dedicated Physics Professor", not a peripheral processor. For a moment, I had visions of a computer program that teaches advanced physics to its users. Silly /me