14 DAY TRIAL // Physics is bound to become a major part of upcoming graphics cards, as well as future game releases, which is why major players in the industry are seriously considering the development and adoption of physics-ready hardware.
This also includes Intel and Havok, two companies that have joined forces in a recently announced competition that is meant to give amateur gaming developers a chance at being recognized for their work. The contest also involves some pretty impressive cash prizes for which the developers will have to compete in two different categories.
In the first category, competitors will have to provide a playable PC game demo making use of the Havok technology in a unique or new way. The entry can be any type of PC game, including an FPS, sports game or casual game that has to demonstrate a different way of using physics in a gaming application. For the second category, which is called “Best Physics Knowledge Base Entry,” developers must deliver a code sample, optimization tip, technical whitepaper or any other technical content that can demonstrate the developer's knowledge of physics.
For the first category, “Most Innovative Use of Physics in a Game,” the first place will be awarded with a cash prize of US$10,000, while the second and third place will get US$8,000 and US$5,000, respectively. There's also an “Irish University Student Prize,” which counts for another US$5,000. In the second category, prizes include a Velocity Micro Edge Z55 Gaming PC (monitor not included) or equivalent model in March 2009 worth US$2,000, for the first place, and an Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 Quad Core processor or equivalent model in March 2009 worth US$1,000, for the runner-up.
Entrants must submit their concept projects until November 15, after which they will have until January 16 to submit their final demos. The winners will be announced during the Game Developer Conference, held in San Francisco in March 2009.