Havok launches independent developer program

Technologies provider Havok has launched a new Independent Developer Program which gives studios access to its full suite of technologies at a lower cost and on a flexible basis.

Aimed at smaller studios, the program will help them to minimise the risk and costs associated with internal creation of tools. The scheme will be "flexible and affordable", says Havok, and based on an annual agreement. Enrolled developers will be able to choose which of the cross-platform products they want to licence, and will be given full access to Havok customer support.

The first studio to licence tools under the new program will be Krome Studios.

"Havok continues to be an industry enabler by providing the best resources at an affordable price to all independent developers," said David O'Meara, Havok's MD. "Havok is the tools and technologies provider of choice for developers worldwide and featured in over 250 games to date. We are excited to further extend our business model to enable independent game developers to innovate using the industry's leading cutting edge technologies and tools."

"This program gives our business the flexibility to innovate our game development processes and strategies," added Robert Walsh, CEO of Krome. "Krome has the unique opportunity to develop multiple prototypes using Havok's world class products and then, if required, to licence those technologies from Havok.

"Havok enables Krome to manage its risk during development and allows it the freedom to explore fresh possibilities with Havok's technology."