The New Technology of The Force Unleashed

With The Force Unleashed, LucasArts not only introduces an entire new chapter in the Star Wars saga, but also two completely new and innovative technologies — Digital Molecular Matter by Pixelux Entertainment and euphoria by NaturalMotion Ltd. These groundbreaking technologies combine with Havoc physics to create true next-gen gameplay and the Force like it’s never been seen or experienced before.

Digital Molecular Matter (DMM) by Pixelux Entertainment

What is DMM? DMM, which is exclusive to LucasArts for any game releases through September 2008, brings an unprecedented level of realism to the new generation of consoles by making completely interactive environments that react as they would in real life. From crumbling walls to shattering glass and even swaying organic plant life, in-game objects have material properties that behave realistically all in real time and without using a single frame of animation. If a structure exists — big or small, dense or thin, floppy or rigid — DMM causes it to react in the same way dictated by reality. For example, unlike what you’d see in games of the previous generation, wood doesn’t simply break apart along a predetermined seam every time — rather, it splinters into countless pieces from the exact point of impact, also taking into account the amount of sheer force exerted. The same rules apply to any substance imaginable: Rubber bends and snaps back into place. Glass shatters. Crystal fractures. Stone crumbles. Carbonite dents. There is never the same animation.

How does it benefit The Force Unleashed? With DMM in action, a Jedi unleashes the Force like never before. His violent Force push throws a helpless stormtrooper through a stone column, blasting it apart. Moments later, the sudden lack of support causes the building to smash to the ground, piece by piece. Meanwhile, a virtual Jabba the Hutt presides over his court, as rolls of gelatinous fat bounce and bob thanks to his body being composed of DMM.

euphoria by NaturalMotion Ltd.

What is euphoria? A revolutionary behavioral-simulation engine, euphoria simulates the unpredictability of real life where no two experiences are ever the same. For the first time ever, euphoria enables interactive characters to move, act and even think like actual human beings, adapting their behavior on the fly and resulting in a different payoff every single time.

How does it benefit The Force Unleashed? Imagine a simple Force push aimed at stormtroopers on a bridge. With euphoria in action, characters visibly attempt to balance themselves: Their feet stumble, their arms flail, and their hands reach for security as the force emitted toward them threatens to send them diving to their doom. Perhaps they all survive. Perhaps they all fall. The use of euphoria means the action isn’t scripted — it’s simulated — so you’ll never be able to predict exactly what will happen, no matter how many times you’ve experienced a certain scenario.