GDC'05: impressive physics engine for Duke Nukem Forever

March 13, 2005, 12:12 PM

by chazumaru, via GDC -
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Realizing that some young players of Half Life 2 and Halo 2 might not even have been born when the acclaimed Duke Nukem 3D was released, considering that it's long-awaited sequel has been fluctuating for years between the running gag and the urban legend, realizing that Duke Nukem Forever has been allegedly restarted from scratch numerous times, little was expected from it by disenchanted fans. Then came the Game Developers Conference 2005.

3DRealms decided last year to stick with Meqon for Duke Nukem Forever's physics engine, a promising young Swedish company which already impressed observers when they displayed some of their abilities at the time of the announcement. Well Meqon just made another appearance at GDC'05. According to GIbiz, their engine presentation "far surpasses Half-Life 2's physics". That alone doesn't make a good game, but knowing where 3DRealms comes from, it's a relief to know they didn't spend the last decade digging their own grave helplessly.

Check out extended coverage on the GDC'05 on Gamasutra from Simoniker, Brandon and other IC regulars such as Eric-Jon, Vincent and Frank of LostLevels fame.