News Overview
- NVIDIA has open-sourced its PhysX physics engine and Flow fluid dynamics library under a BSD license.
- The article explores the implications of this move, including the potential for running legacy PhysX titles on future RTX 50 series GPUs using compatibility layers or wrappers.
- The open-sourcing aims to encourage wider adoption and community development of these technologies.
🔗 Original article link: Nvidia’s PhysX and Flow Go Open Source; Running Legacy PhysX on RTX 50 May Be Possible Using Wrappers
In-Depth Analysis
- The article details NVIDIA’s decision to release the source code for PhysX and Flow, highlighting the permissive BSD license which allows for broad use and modification.
- It discusses the potential for the open-sourced PhysX to be adapted or wrapped in a way that allows older games relying on the now-deprecated PPU (Physics Processing Unit) specific PhysX to run correctly on newer GPUs like the anticipated RTX 50 series, which lack dedicated PPU hardware.
- The article likely explains the technical challenges involved in creating such wrappers or compatibility layers, but emphasizes that the availability of the source code makes it a feasible endeavor for the community.
- It also reiterates the benefits of open-sourcing for both PhysX and Flow, including increased community contributions, broader platform support, and easier integration into various software projects.
Commentary
- NVIDIA’s open-sourcing of PhysX and Flow is a significant step towards greater accessibility and longevity for these established simulation technologies.
- The possibility of running legacy PhysX titles on modern GPUs via wrappers is a welcome prospect for gamers who have libraries of older games that utilized the PPU.
- While creating effective wrappers may be a complex undertaking, the open-source nature of PhysX provides the community with the necessary tools to attempt this.
- This move could also lead to renewed interest and development in both PhysX and Flow, potentially resulting in new features and optimizations.
- NVIDIA’s strategic decision to open these libraries likely aims to foster a wider ecosystem around its GPU technology and solidify its influence in simulation and gaming.