amBX SDK Launches In Jan
The folks at amBX, in addition to forcing editors everywhere to use lower-case letters, are finally launching the amBX SDK this January. The release of the software developer's kit, of course, is the first step on the long-ish journey to see whether PC game developers will adopt the amBX system in a significant way.
I'm of two minds about that: on the one hand, I've demoed an amBX setup, which added color-varying backlighting, rumble, and air blasts to a demo of Crysis. And while I was incredibly doubtful going into the demo, I really, really enjoyed the amBX effects. I loved the addition of rumble - which I believe took place in the keyboard wrist pad, but don't quote me on that - and backlighting that did a great job of following the on-screen action; the fans that blew on my face were actually incredibly immersive rather than annoying.
It was kinda awesome, and I could, in theory, see legions of young gamers tricking out their desktops with cool glowing lights and fans that are all integrated into a kickass pair of desktop speakers. But that same gradient of doubt that I overcame will have to be overcome an improbable number of times to see amBX take off the way it wants to. From developers to publishers to gamers, it's going to be an uphill climb.
amBX LAUNCHES SDK IN JANUARY 2009
amBX achieves a significant milestone early next year when its all-new developer program kicks off with the launch of its much-anticipated SDK, which goes live on January 12th. The amBX SDK enables developers across the whole of the entertainment industry to get up and running quickly with test tools and example applications to guide the way to enhance games with immersive amBX effects. A support forum provides advice and best practice information as well as a complete tool box that will unlock the most advanced features of amBX. Up to now the amBX SDK has been available on a project by project basis but the new Developer Program has opened it up to the development community free of charge.
"The amBX SDK provides developers with everything they need to get quickly up to speed and at no charge. It makes amBX very approachable and this will be a major step forward for us as we take the amBX proposition to wider markets and sectors. The whole point of amBX is to immerse the player deeper into the game and the amBX SDK now makes a rather complex operation very simple and extremely low cost." commented Neil MacDonald, CEO of amBX.
Developers can register their interest and receive an email alert when the SDK is launched at http://developer.ambx.com
amBX is a technology that delivers full 'sensory surround' entertainment experiences. It enables content creators to add real world effects using light, color, rumble and even air flow, through licensed amBX devices, to the virtual worlds of computers, games, music, movies and TV entertainment. With amBX the entertainment world can be brought into the real world to create incredible immersive experiences.
amBX has already licensed the technology to many content developers and publishers in the gaming sector. The SDK Developer Program will enable many more companies creating both hardware and content to add this innovative technology to their products.
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tiny dancer
Posted to Miscellany on 10 December 2008
· Comments (2)
Other stuff like this: amBX, pc gaming
You know, I think I would like this stuff with an immersive game like Fallout 3 or Oblivion. In that case I think the fans and lighting might work well. Interesting idea for sure.
Outside of first person perspective games I'm not sure it would do as well.
Some of the first person games (Call of Duty 4, Brothers in Arms: HH and Farcry 2) are awesome with amBX. Having the lights changing colour depending on the time of day, or if things are exploding around you and working with the rumble pad is great.
The release of the SDK is really good news as it means more developers can try and include effects into their games and give another dimension of play to gamers everywhere.
Can't wait to see what happens next year!