Ubisoft's HAWX Uses amBX to Change Gaming

Ubisoft is announcing that it has entered into a deal with Phillips regarding the use of amBX technology in Tom Clancy's HAWX, the aerial combat sim that the France-based publisher is developing in its Bucharest studios.

The amBX technology was first revealed by Phillips in 2005 and is intended to create a better experience for gamers by using a wide array of devices designed to create a feeling of depth and immersion. As devices that implemented amBX and as games that supported the standard started to appear, Phillips resolved on offering 3 types of amBX kits for gamers and an extension pack. The kits contain such things are RGB LED lights that are capable of displaying 16 million colors, desktop fans that can go up to 5,000 rotations per minute, and adjustable "rumble" wrist straps that convey tactile sensations to gamers.

Jo Cooke, Chief Marketing Officer at the Philips amBX division, says: "Tom Clancy's HAWX comes hot on the heels of our Brothers in Arms Hell's Highway amBX announcement with Ubisoft and further underlines our commitment to bringing amBX to world class gaming. Building amBX into the game during development maximizes the effects that can be achieved, guaranteeing an incredibly immersive gaming experience. Tom Clancy's HAWX is another example of a completely different genre of game that amBX can enhance and we're looking forward to super realistic air combat lighting, wind and rumble effects that PC gamers haven't been able to experience to-date."

HAWX will take advantage of the Phillips technology to create a much more engrossing gameplay experience. The air combat simulation will be able to offers gamers a wide array of information by appealing to other senses than sight and hearing, while also allowing gamers to give squad orders by voice, rather than by using the controller. Such innovation in both control and in feedback can lead to a change in the quality of the gameplay itself.

HAWX is scheduled for a late 2008 release, while amBX kits have, just recently, been available at very affordable prices.