Chapter Meeting: August 2002
>> David Gargan and Mitchell Morando
This month’s meeting of the IGDA South Florida Chapter spotlighted Havok’s Game Dynamics SDK. The Presentation was presented by David Gargan, who is the Developer Relations for Havok, and Mitchell Morando, the Account Manager for Havok. The Havok Game Dynamics SDK is one of the most powerful real time physical simulation solution available on the market today. Morando and Gargan gave a 90 minute demonstration on what exactly the Havok Game Dynamics SDK can really do. There were a variety of demos that illustrated how the engine can not only make Game Physics more believable but more accessible to developers.
Havok’s Game Dynamics SDK has been implemented quite successfully with many developers. Havok showed how their engine brings a level of realism to game physics. In one demonstration, they had a BMX biker run multiple crash testing to demonstrate the rag doll effect. With a simple push of the button, the character would either fly throught the air or crash violently with the surrounding obstacles, all fully animated with just the Physics Engine. This helps bring a variance to preset animations and helps change them enough so they look new and different every time. By bringing realtime randomness, it creates a stronger illusion of believability.
Another demonstration was the Vehicle SDK. Sliders manipulate different aspects to the handling of the vehicle. From making the vehicle have bigger tires, stiffer axels, and making the wheelbase wider or shorter, you could completely alter the behaviors of any vehicle in the engine.
After an insightful presentation, the staff of Havok and the rest of the IGDA members went to Ole Ole, where we were treated to free drinks and good conversation. Being that this was my first IGDA meeting, it was interesting to see how we all were united by the same common interest. Our mutual love for the interactive entertainment industry.
IGDA South Florida Reporter
Alex Solarte
Parasytic Moon
