Intel-owned software company Havok has announced a new opportunity for independent game developers to make use of their proprietary middelware technology, only licensing the actual software when they will be utilized in a finalized product. This will allow developers to use the technology to develop prototypes and try out different systems without incurring heavy costs. The agreement allows developers to use technology such as Havok Animation, Havok AI, Havok Behavior, Havok Cloth, Havok Destruction and the well-known Havok Physics.
Krome Studios, an independent Australian developer well-known for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and other recently released Star Wars titles, is one of the first organization to make use of this new offer from Havok. Robert Walsh, CEO of Krome Studios stated that “[t]his program gives our business the flexibility to innovate our game development processes and strategies. […] Havok enables Krome to manage its risk during development and allows it the freedom to explore fresh possibilities with Havok’s technology.”
He also added that over the years, Havok has moved from being solely a provider of middleware to a full-fledged business partner. Currently, over 250 games utilize Havok technology to some degree. Gaming-classics that rely heavily on the technology include Half-Life 2, Halo 2 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
Excellent, with all this support from major names, independent development will hopefully see a major upstart.
must’ve done that in response to the unreal engine being out there for free in the same manner.