"Crackdown" On Havok Physics Engine

Developed using Havok's renowned physics engine, Crackdown hits the stores today. Created exclusively for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Realtime Worlds team has pushed the hybrid action-driving genre firmly into the next generation, creating a free-roaming, interactive world where anything can be used as a weapon as you rid the streets of crime.

Realtime Worlds' CEO and Creative Director Dave Jones, sees their decision to use Havok Physics as key to his team's ability to create an over-the-top action experience for players: "One of the best things about licensing Havok is that it enabled us to have robust physics very early in development - you have physics that does what you want it to do right from the start. This allowed us to experiment early with the vehicles, ragdolls and dynamic objects key to Crackdown's non-stop action and massive destruction. The physics in Crackdown is definitely one of the next generation features that gamers are really going to appreciate."

Thanks to huge number of props and the power of the Havok Physics system, players can use whatever they find in the environment as a weapon: Trash cans, vehicles, even people. Crackdown's revolutionary cooperative gameplay enables two people to enjoy the power and punch of epic explosions and massive scale destruction.

Said, Havok CEO David O'Meara "We see part of our role as helping game developers to define the future of what gamers experience. We do this by creating cutting edge technologies which really enhance game-play and the immersive experience. Crackdown is a fantastic example of how a great development team can use Havok physics to enrich the game-play experience and deliver a compelling game that people will want to play again and again. Dave Jones and the guys at Realtime Worlds deserve credit for what they have achieved both creatively and technically."

All copies of "Crackdown" available at launch will be specially-marked with the "Halo 3" multiplayer beta sticker. Gamers will be able to use their retail copy of "Crackdown" to gain access to the beta when it becomes available later this year.Halo 3 also features Havok Physics.