Havok provides physics for next-gen Sonic game

Havok, a company focused on technology for real-time physics in video games, announced that it will be the provider of in-game physics technology to the multi-platform release of the next-generation ’Sonic the Hedgehog’ game. Set for release on the Xbox 360 and PS3, it will be the first foray into the new era of video games for Sega’s iconic character.

Sonic The Hedgehog screenshots ...

Takayuki Kawoge, an R&D officer for Sega, said, "For the next generation ’Sonic the Hedgehog,’ we wanted blistering speed in a visually rich environment. Havok’s real-time physics engine has enabled us to process the huge amounts of data involved in ensuring that Sonic’s every bounce and battle is both visually interesting and accurate, within the enhanced but still recognisable dream-like world of the game."

In addition to seamless movement and real-time sound effect synching, in-game physics are crucial in defining the mannerisms and characteristics of everyone in the game, as well as the scenery and obstacles they can and cannot interact with.

The game, which has a simplistic tentative title of Sonic the Hedgehog is due in the US on both the PS3 and Xbox 360 on 17 November, the release date for the PS3.