Physics engine maker Havok says it's signed a two-year deal with developer-publisher Deep Silver (Sacred 2, S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Clear Sky), who will license Havok's physics, animation and behavior solutions on its upcoming multiplatform title Ride to Hell.
Ride to Hell is set in a "1960s biker world," incorporating that era's art style, music and scenery, allowing players to build customizable bikes. According to Havok, it will be Deep Silver's largest global title to date, shipping globally in spring 2009.
The middleware developer recently offered its core physics software -- Havok 5.5 -- for PC non-commercial download for no charge in May 2008. Parent company Intel sponsored the toolset's free release, believing that the offer would "boost creative game development throughout the industry." More recently, Microsoft Game Studios signed a perpetual licensing deal with Havok.
Deep Silver, a wholly-owned Koch Media subsidiary, has published around sixty games in Europe since 2003, primarily PC-based titles such as graphic adventure Secret Files: Tunguska and strategy series Anno 1701. The company has also seen recent success with portable titles CrossworDS and Horse Life DS. It has offices in Europe, and first opened its U.S. offices in April of this year.
Deep Silver EVP and managing director Hannes Seifert said, "Based on our long history of close collaboration with Havok, Deep Silver has managed to pull off something really fantastic by incorporating Havok into Ride to Hell."
