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NVidia purchases gaming physics processor maker PhysX

By Michael Hatamoto, BetaNews

February 5, 2008, 2:56 PM

Graphics card producer NVidia confirmed late yesterday it is purchasing Ageia Technologies, the first producer of so-called "physics processors" for 3D gamers, for an undisclosed amount.

Ageia Technologies is best known for its PhysX processor, which is supported by popular games such as Gears of War, the Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon series, and Unreal Tournament 3. Working under NVidia's wing will help the company properly implement PhysX into future product launches, which should result in a broader target market.

"Both Ageia and NVidia share the same commitment and passion for making the gaming experience dynamic and vivid," said Marti Miernik, Ageia spokesperson, in a statement to BetaNews this afternoon. "The combination of graphics and physics impacts the way a virtual world looks and behaves, thus driving the end-user experience. By combining Ageia's powerful PhysX technology with NVidia's industry-leading GPU architectures, we will ensure that gamers and developers alike take advantage of the most compelling physics on the market." Currently, the PhysX chip is utilized in all three next-gen game consoles available on the market today: the Microsoft Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii. More than 140 game titles currently shipping support PhysX.

NVidia's purchase will set up a competition with Intel, which purchased Havok last September, although Havok's processor is geared more toward professional applications such as high-quality animation.

BFG Technologies has yet to comment on the deal; it produces OEM graphics cards for NVidia as well as its own PhysX-based physics card, and may or may not be impacted. Ageia also declined comment on future OEM products. NVidia will hold a phone conference later this week to discuss its purchase.

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By yourcat

posted Feb 6, 2008 - 4:19 PM

NVidia is now in direct competition with both AMD and Intel. Graphics chips against AMD (via ATI), Physics chips against Intel. It seems to me like they are making competitors on both sides of things. Personally, I like Via and AMD best anyway, but you've got to have someone that's not a direct competitor.

Score: 0

By VampireFrost

posted Feb 6, 2008 - 12:09 PM

I wonder if this will result in a Nvidia and Phys-X GPU hybrid. Maybe a dual core Nvidia GPU with a Phys-X GPU included? or will Nividia just incorporate the Phys-X techonology in to their next family of Gforce or maybe Xforce graphics cards. My wish list would be a tri-core GPU with 2 9x00's and a Phys-X and all running at 1GHz.

Score: 0

By foxfyre

posted Feb 6, 2008 - 9:15 AM

An astute business move.

Score: 0

By bourgeoisdude

posted Feb 5, 2008 - 3:11 PM

Awesome.

While many here will argue the market angle and worry about competition and such, the immediate benefit is that this means PhysX will finally have the marketing platform it needs to catch on.