Microsoft acquires Havok from Intel

LittleCarrot · October 4, 2015

Source: http://bit.ly/1Lc8dcX

Havok, the company known for its fantastic physics in video games, has been acquired by Microsoft. The Xbox publisher purchased Havok from Intel. Microsoft explained that this is part of "building the most complete cloud service."

"Microsoft's acquisition of Havok continues our tradition of empowering developers by providing them with the tools to unleash their creativity to the world," the company's corporate article reads. "We will continue to innovate for the benefit of development partners. Part of this innovation will include building the most complete cloud service, which we've just started to show through games like 'Crackdown 3.'"

Havok was used recently for Destiny, Mortal Kombat X, Dark Souls 2, and Watch Dogs.

Microsoft did not announce if Havok will continue to provide physics for third-party games, nor how much the acquisition cost.

Update: Microsoft has provided official comment to IGN on numerous subjects.

Havok will not be limited to Microsoft exclusively. "We will continue to license Havok's technology to the broad AAA games industry," a representative told IGN. "This also means that we will continue to license Havok's technology to run across various game consoles including Sony and Nintendo."

On the subject of what Microsoft paid for the acquisition, we were told, "We are not discussing financial details at this time."

Finally, Microsoft told IGN, "We are working closely with the team at Havok to ensure a smooth transition, but have nothing further to announce at this time."