Real-time physics simulations are expected to replace motion capture while programmable shading will replace texture mapping in the new console, Sony executives said. To support game programming in physics simulation, Sony has entered into strategic licensing agreements with Havok (Dublin, Ireland), a top supplier of physics engines, and Ageia Technologies Inc. a U.S. supplier of physics hardware accelerators.

Under the deals, Sony obtains sub-licensing rights to Havok Complete (Havok Physics & Havok animation engines) and Ageia NovodeX SDK, a physics library for PS3. Games will get a boost in hardware accelerated physics if game developers choose to create game titles using the two physics modeling solutions. Sony has also joined with with Transmeta for optimization tools and debuggers and with Epic Games to include Unreal Engine 3. Both will be available by the fourth quarter.