Very similar to Hawken, GPU PhysX support in another free-2-play MMO title, PlanetSide 2, has a multi-staged history – basic integration in Closed Beta, unfulfilled promises after the release, unofficial way to enable the effects later on.
Update: official PhysX trailer by NVIDIA
And now, finally, we are glad to inform you that GPU Physics option can now be officially enabled in PlanetSide 2.
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PlanetSide 2 is build on a brand new ForgeLight engine from SOE, which features a two layers of PhysX and APEX integrations – a basic CPU physics layer, based on PhysX SDK 3.2, which power all the collision and hit detection, character controllers and vehicle physics, and also an extra GPU accelerated physics effects layer, which is working working on APEX Particles and APEX Turbulence modules.
GPU PhysX effects, present in PlanetSide 2, can be devided into two categories – various types of impact debris effects (sparks, rock pieces, metal chards, wood splinters, etc) and Turbulence particles, applied to objects such as jump-pads, grav-elevators, healing grenades, teleporters and so on.
All the effects are done really well, from both artistical and technical standpoint, and also present a dramatic enhancement to the visual look of the game. PlanetSide 2 is a must-play, or at least must-see, for every user interested in PhysX Technology.
Head on over to the PlanetSide 2.com to enlist, and if you are interested in technical details behind PhysX effects, don’t forget to check “Maximizing PhysX-based particle effects in Planetside 2” article on NVIDIA Developer Zone.
