On 17 March 2009, Nvidia announced that it had signed a tools and middleware licence agreement with Sony for the Playstation 3.

As a result, the binary version of Nvidia's Physx technology software development kit (SDK) was made available to PS3 developers for free download and use on the SCEI Developer Network.

Predictably, The Inquirer responded to Nvidia's announcement with skepticism and outright contempt.

'Nvidia spinners must be getting really desperate for people to pay attention to Physx. They are claiming Physx on the PS3, which they have already had for three years. Other than those paid to implement it, Physx has absolutely no market traction, so it is time to shout louder. That leaves the usual suspects, stock options, distraction from another piece of bad news, or someone wants to look important. Whatever the reason, it is nothing more than blatant press manipulation,' opined The Inquirer. 

Nvidia spokesperson Bryan Del Rizzo dismissed The Inquirer's assessment as 'inaccurate and confused'.

'Given the gross inaccuracies in the story on the Inquirer, it is clear that the writer does not understand the dynamics of the developer community and the distribution model for SDKs and developer libraries,' Del Rizzo told IT Examiner. 'As referenced, AGEIA and SCEI (Sony) announced the availability of the Physx SDK for the PS3 in 2006 and that partnership continued beyond the acquisition of AGEIA by Nvidia in 2008. Throughout this period, AGEIA and then Nvidia worked closely with Sony to ensure that the Physx SDK provided the best physics solution on the PS3 platform.'

According to Del Rizzo, Nvidia is now an 'official' tools and middleware provider for Sony PS3.

'This new relationship means a couple of changes in how the Physx SDK for PS3 is managed. As an SCEI Tools and Middleware provider, Nvidia will now be exclusively responsible for maintaining and enhancing the PS3 Physx SDK. Additionally, while Sony has a license to distribute and support users of the binary version of the Physx PS3 SDK, Nvidia will now be responsible for licensing the source code Physx SDK for PS3 as well providing direct support to all source code-licensed Physx PS3 developers,' said Del Rizzo.

In addition, Del Rizzo explained that the upgraded tools and middleware relationship with Sony 'closely mirrors' the licensing and support model maintained with Microsoft and its Xbox 360 platform.

'Nvidia's goal is to work with console manufactures in a manner that allows (the company) to have a more direct relationship with all game developers, independent of which target platforms they choose for games titles, in an effort to deliver the best physics development products and world class support. This in-sync release has become increasingly important as more and more developers are creating games which run on multiple consoles as well as the PC and other platforms, (such as the) Iphone and ARM processor.' X

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