PhysX

What is PhysX?

PhysX, an open-source real-time physics engine middleware SDK developed by Nvidia as part of the Nvidia GameWorks software suite, has been a cornerstone in the gaming industry for years. Imagine if every game you played was just a bit more realistic—more like the world we live in. That’s what PhysX aims to achieve.

Origins and Evolution

PhysX didn’t just appear out of nowhere; it has a fascinating history. Initially designed for acceleration by PhysX PPU (expansion cards), it later shifted to running on CUDA-enabled GeForce GPUs. This shift marked a significant change in how physics calculations were handled, moving from the CPU to specialized hardware.

From NovodeX to PhysX

PhysX as we know it today originated as a physics simulation engine called NovodeX, developed by Swiss company NovodeX AG. When Ageia acquired NovodeX in 2004, they began developing hardware technology that could accelerate these calculations. The first video game to use PhysX technology was released in 2005, marking the beginning of a new era in gaming physics.

Key Features and Support

Rigid body dynamics, soft body dynamics, ragdolls, character controllers, vehicle dynamics, particles, and volumetric fluid simulation—these are just some of the features that PhysX supports. It’s like having a toolbox with every tool you need to build a complex world in your game.

Platforms and Availability

The PhysX engine and SDK are available for various platforms, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii, iOS, and Android. This wide availability ensures that developers can create games that run smoothly on a variety of devices.

Nvidia’s Continued Innovation

Nvidia APEX is a multi-platform scalable dynamics framework built around the PhysX SDK, while Nvidia FleX is a particle-based simulation technique for real-time visual effects. These innovations continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming physics.

Criticism and Performance

A criticism from Real World Technologies found that most of the code used in PhysX applications was based on x87 instructions without multithreading optimization, which could cause performance drops when running PhysX code on CPU. This highlights the ongoing challenges in optimizing physics engines for different hardware.

Integration with Game Engines

PhysX technology is used by game engines such as Unreal Engine, Unity, and Gamebryo. Most games use the CPU to process physics simulations, but some have optional hardware-accelerated PhysX support for additional effects like tearable cloth or simulated particle debris. This flexibility allows developers to choose the best approach based on their needs.

Other Software with PhysX Support

Active Worlds, Amazon Lumberyard, Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk Maya, DarkBASIC Professional, DX Studio, ForgeLight, Futuremark’s 3DMark06 and Vantage, Microsoft Robotics Studio, Nvidia’s SuperSonic Sled and Raging Rapids Ride, OGRE, The Physics Abstraction Layer, Rayfire, and The Physics Engine Evaluation Lab—these are just a few of the software applications that support PhysX. It’s clear that PhysX has found its place in many different areas beyond gaming.

Nvidia APEX is a multi-platform scalable dynamics framework built around the PhysX SDK. Nvidia FleX is a particle-based simulation technique for real-time visual effects.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that PhysX has played and will continue to play an important role in making our virtual worlds more realistic. Whether you’re a gamer or a developer, understanding the power of PhysX can help you appreciate the magic behind those lifelike physics simulations.