NVIDIA PhysX is an open-source physics engine that was developed by NVIDIA. This software development kit (SDK) is part of the company’s GameWorks development suite. It provided game developers with a set of tools that offer a wide range of enhancements that were pre-optimized for NVIDIA GPUs. For gamers, this utility ensures that their compatible graphics cards are kept up to date and would be able to run games that feature PhysX content properly.

What is PhysX?

NVIDIA PhysX is a multi-threaded physics simulation SDK for creating computer graphics for video games and various other applications. This 3D engine has been particularly useful in simulating physics, particle effects, destruction, and fluid dynamics in modern video games and other programs. For game designers, these tools provide a way for them to save time from having to develop their engine by leveraging what’s already readily available.

PhysX has been used in various game engines, including Unreal Engine and Unity. In fact, you might be surprised to know that it was implemented in some of the most popular AAA games, such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Batman: Arkham Knight, and Warframe. NVIDIA has used PhysX in its graphics cards since the release of its 9-series GPUs, based on the Tesla architecture, all the way to its 20-series cards, based on the Pascal architecture.

NVIDIA as a whole has already moved on to work on newer and better technologies for its future GPUs. However, PhysX is still very much used in mainstream game development even today.  Also, being open-source, it is still one of the preferred technologies that are still being actively developed, so this further solidifies its relevance. You will still need this engine and the technologies that it provides to be able to play your favorite games properly.

An oldie but still a goodie

If you’re a part of Team Green and use any of the company’s older 20-series GPUs, NVIDIA PhysX will still be an essential part of your gaming experience. While it will become less bound to your GPU as time goes on, your CPU will still need it to process this type of content properly. If you plan to play some older AAA games, this is worth downloading and installing on your gaming PC.