Over the years, visual quality of video games has been improved tremendously. That is why developers are currently looking into other aspects to increase the experience of reality during gameplay. One such thing is physical simulation. During the UK">London Game Developers Conference, Evolution Studios' Scott Kirkland demonstrated on how MotorStorm used the Havok engine.

Kirkland also shares that with the use of such middlewares, developers are able to focus on the game itself. Primarily, the Havok engine was designed for the destruction of vehicles and roadside objects, as well as the rag-doll physics of motorcycle riders. Accordingly, demonstrations showed vehicles bending and buckling upon impact.

More excitingly, the technical director confirms that MotorStorm would support the motion-sensitive features of PS3 controller Sixaxis. Unfortunately, it seemed he wanted to save some more surprises as he did not reveal specifically how. MotorStorm will come out later this year for the US and Japan market while it will launch together with the console for UK and Europe in March, 2007.