PhyreEngine is a free to use, cross platform (PC, PSP, PS Vita and PS3) game engine

Game engine

A game engine is a system designed for the creation and development of video games. There are many game engines that are designed to work on video game consoles and personal computers...

 from Sony Computer Entertainment

Sony Computer Entertainment

Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. is a major video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry, and is a wholly owned subsidiary and part of the Consumer Products & Services Group of Sony...

. By 2011 PhyreEngine had been adopted by dozens of game studios "to power almost fifty" games for the PlayStationStore

PlayStation Store

The PlayStation Store is an online virtual market available to users of Sony's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable game consoles via the PlayStation Network. The Store offers a range of downloadable content both for purchase and available free of charge. Available content includes full games,...

 or on Blu-ray Discs.

PhyreEngine is distributed as an installable package that includes both full source code

Source code

In computer science, source code is text written using the format and syntax of the programming language that it is being written in. Such a language is specially designed to facilitate the work of computer programmers, who specify the actions to be performed by a computer mostly by writing source...

 and PC Windows

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...

 tools, provided under its own flexible use license that allows any PS3 game developer, publisher or Tools & Middleware

Middleware

Middleware is computer software that connects software components or people and their applications. The software consists of a set of services that allows multiple processes running on one or more machines to interact...

 company to create software based partly or fully on PhyreEngine on any platform.

The engine uses sophisticated parallel processing techniques that are optimized for the Synergistic Processor Unit (SPU) of the Cell Broadband Engine

Cell (microprocessor)

Cell is a microprocessor architecture jointly developed by Sony, Sony Computer Entertainment, Toshiba, and IBM, an alliance known as "STI". The architectural design and first implementation were carried out at the STI Design Center in Austin, Texas over a four-year period beginning March 2001 on a...

 of PS3, but can be easily ported to other multi-core architectures.

PhyreEngine supports OpenGL

OpenGL

OpenGL is a standard specification defining a cross-language, cross-platform API for writing applications that produce 2D and 3D computer graphics. The interface consists of over 250 different function calls which can be used to draw complex three-dimensional scenes from simple primitives. OpenGL...

and Direct3D

Direct3D

Direct3D is part of Microsoft's DirectX application programming interface . Direct3D is available for Microsoft Windows operating systems , and for other platforms through the open source software Wine. It is the base for the graphics API on the Xbox and Xbox 360 console systems...

, in addition to the low level PS3 LibGCM

PlayStation 3 system software

The PlayStation 3 system software is the updateable software and operating system of the PlayStation 3. The process of updating is almost identical to that of the PSP...

 library. It also provides fully functional “game templates” as source code, including support for Havok Complete XS

Havok (software)

Havok Physics is a physics engine developed by Irish company Havok. It is designed primarily for video games, and allows for real-time collision and dynamics of rigid bodies in three dimensions. It provides multiple types of dynamic constraints between rigid bodies , and has a highly optimized...

, NVIDIA PhysX

PhysX

PhysX is a proprietary realtime physics engine middleware SDK developed by Ageia with the purchase of ETH Zurich spin-off NovodeX in 2004...

 and Bullet

Bullet (software)

Bullet is an open source physics engine featuring 3D collision detection, soft body dynamics, and rigid body dynamics. It is used in games, and in visual effects in movies. The Bullet physics library is published under the zlib license. Erwin Coumans, its main author, worked for Sony Computer...

 for physics.

History

PhyreEngine was launched during GDC

Game Developers Conference

The Game Developers Conference is the largest annual gathering of professional video game developers, focusing on learning, inspiration, and networking...

 2008 with new features (including Deferred rendering

Deferred shading

In computer graphics, deferred shading is a three dimensional shading technique in which the result of a shading algorithm is calculated by dividing it into smaller parts that are written to intermediate buffer storage to be combined later, instead of immediately writing the shader result to the...

) being showcased during GDC 2009.

Version 2.40, released in March 2009, included a new “foliage rendering” system that provides tools and technology to render ultra-realistic trees and plants to be easily integrated into games.

A PSP

PSP

PSP most commonly refers to the PlayStation Portable, a handheld game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment.PSP may also refer to:-Computing and programming:*Corel Paint Shop Pro, a graphics editor...

 version of the engine was announced by Sony at GDC 2010.

Version 3.0, released in 2011, has a new and powerful asset pipeline, combining enhanced versions of the already robust exporters, with a powerful processing tool to generate optimized assets for each platform. Also new is the rewritten level editor, which permits a far more data-driven approach to authoring games using PhyreEngine. Combined with a more accessible API and far more game-oriented functionality including support for entities, scripting, and integrated physics and navigation components, PhyreEngine 3.0 empowers developers to produce high quality titles with less time and lower costs. In addition, version 3.0 of the PhyreEngine adds support for the PlayStation Vita.

PhyreEngine was a finalist in the European Develop Industry Excellence Awards in 2008 (in the "Technical Innovation" category) and 2009 (in the "Game Engine" category).

Partial List of Games that use PhyreEngine

Game Developer Studio	Title	Release Date
Alvion Alvion is a Japanese video game and publishing company.- Corporate history :*September 1996 - Alvion formed.*1998 - Headquarters founded in Suita, Osaka.*2004 - Established ACE, a career preparation school.*2005 - Alvion founded Ullucus Ltd....	Malicious Malicious (video game) is a download-only 3D action game developed and published by Alvion for the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Vita. The game is meant to offer a simple play experience. Malicious was released on October 27, 2010 and is available to download from PlayStation Store in Japan. Because of the game's...	October 27, 2010 (Japan)
Big Ant Studios Big Ant Studios Big Ant Studios is an Australian video game development studio founded by CEO Ross Symons in 2001. Originally known as Bullant Studios, a specialist in the simulation-racing genre, the studio changed its name to Big Ant Studios in 2005 and has expanded its portfolio to include a wide variety of...	Rugby League Live Rugby League Live Rugby League Live is a 2010 video game based on the sport of rugby league. It is the fifth in the NRL Rugby League video game series and the first on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360...	August 27, 2010 (New Zealand) September 2, 2010 (Australia) / November 5, 2010 (Europe)
Big Ant Studios	AFL Live	April 21, 2011 (Australia)
Biodroid	Replika	under development (Portugal)
Boolat Games	Topatoi Topatoi topatoi is an episodic platform video game developed by Boolat Games for the PlayStation 3.The two episodes released so far are "The Great Tree Story" and "Pillar Of The Skies"...	July 2, 2009 (Europe) October 15, 2009 (North America)
Capybara Games Capybara Games Capybara Games is an award-winning independent game studio based out of Toronto, Canada. It focuses on the development of iPhone, Nintendo DS, and downloadable console games...	Critter Crunch Critter Crunch Critter Crunch is a puzzle game in the vein of Magical Drop by Capybara Games for iOS and PlayStation 3 on the PlayStation Network.In Critter Crunch, players assume the role of Biggs, a friendly, furry forest dweller with an unending hunger for tasty critters...	October 8, 2009 (North America) November 19, 2009 (Europe)
Codemasters Codemasters The Codemasters Software Company Limited, or Codemasters is a British video game developer founded by Richard and David Darling in 1986...	Colin McRae: Dirt Colin McRae: Dirt Colin McRae: Dirt has received largely positive reviews, IGN UK and U.S. awarding it a 9.0 and a 8.4, respectively. It has also received 9.0 from Official Xbox Magazine, 8.3 from GameSpot for the Xbox 360 and PC versions and 8.5 for the PlayStation 3 version, and 8 from Edge...	September 11, 2007 (North America) September 14, 2007 (Europe)
Codemasters	Race Driver: Grid Race Driver: GRID Race Driver: Grid is the most recent addition to the TOCA Touring Car series, which is published and developed by Codemasters...	May 30, 2008 (Europe) June 3, 2008 (North America)
Compile Heart Compile Heart is a Japanese video game developer and publisher founded in 2006-06-02. It is a division of Idea Factory. The company was formerly managed by Compile's former executive Moo Niitani before his retirement in 2006-12.... , Idea Factory Idea Factory is a Japanese video game developer and publisher founded on October 26, 1994 headed by company president Koichi Ota and vice president Shingo Kuwana.-Games published:-Games developed:-External links:* * * * from IGN* from GameSpot... , Gust Corporation, Nippon Ichi Software, Sega Sega , usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...	Hyperdimension Neptunia	July 29, 2010 (Japan) February 15, 2011 (North America) / March 4, 2011 (Europe)
Doublesix Games Doublesix Doublesix is a subsidiary of Kuju Entertainment based in Guildford that develops video games for the digital download market. The studio was formed from the team that made Geometry Wars: Galaxies. They also made the zombie themed shooter, Burn Zombie Burn!...	Burn Zombie Burn!	March 26, 2009 (North America, Europe)
FluffyLogic	Savage Moon Savage Moon Savage Moon is a PlayStation 3 and PSP tower defense strategy game which sees the player protecting a remote, off-world mining facility from constant attack by Insectocytes, a type of carnivorous creature inhabiting the planets. The mission is to strategically place an array of upgradeable,...	December 24, 2008 (Europe) January 29, 2009 (North America)
Game Republic Game Republic was an independent video game developer based in Tokyo, Japan. The company, which employed just under 300 individuals before its closure, was founded on July 1, 2003 by Yoshiki Okamoto after he departed from successful Japanese game developer and publisher Capcom. Okamoto is seen as somewhat of a...	Catan Catan (2008 video game) Catan is a classic board game. This was an original version of the game , and is helmed by Game Republic, developers of Genji and Folklore. The download was hit in Japan on December 18, 2008 for 1200 yen...	December 18, 2008 (Japan) May 12, 2010 (Europe) / June 15, 2010 (North America)
Gust Corporation	Atelier Rorona: Alchemist of Arland Atelier Rorona: Alchemist of Arland is a Japanese console role-playing game developed by Gust. It was first released for PlayStation 3 on June 25, 2009 in Japan and released as a Japanese Best Version on September 23, 2010 due to its sales figures. North American release follows on September 28, 2010 along with European release on...	June 25, 2009 (Japan) September 28, 2010 (North America) / October 22, 2010 (Europe)
Gust Corporation	Ar tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel	January 28, 2010 (Japan) March 15, 2011 (North America)
Gust Corporation	Atelier Totori: Alchemist of Arland 2 Atelier Totori: Alchemist of Arland 2 is a Japanese console role-playing game developed by Gust. It was first released for PlayStation 3 on June 24, 2010 in Japan. Atelier Totori is the twelfth installment in the Atelier series, and it continues the series' emphasis on item synthesis...	June 24, 2010 (Japan)
Gust Corporation	Atelier Meruru: The Alchemist of Arland 3 Atelier Meruru: The Alchemist of Arland 3 is a Japanese console role-playing game developed by Gust. It was released for PlayStation 3 on June 23, 2011 in Japan. Atelier Meruru is the thirteenth installment in the Atelier series, and it continues the series' emphasis on item creation and synthesis...	June, 2011 (Japan)
HandCircus	Okabu	Summer, 2011
Irem	PachiPara DL Hyper Sea Story In Karibu PachiPara DL Hyper Sea Story In Karibu PachiPara DL Hyper Sea Story In Karibu is a downloadable game released on the Japanese PlayStation Store on July 2, 2008.-Gameplay:...	July 2, 2008 (Japan)
Irem	Zettai Zetsumei Toshi 4: Summer Memories Zettai Zetsumei Toshi 4: Summer Memories is an adventure game, which was being developed and published by Irem exclusively for the PlayStation 3. The game was to be the fourth installment of the Zettai Zetsumei Toshi series. Zettai Zetsumei Toshi 4: Summer Memories would have supported 3D output and PlayStation Move...	February 24, 2011 (Japan)
Nippon Ichi Software, Idea Factory Idea Factory is a Japanese video game developer and publisher founded on October 26, 1994 headed by company president Koichi Ota and vice president Shingo Kuwana.-Games published:-Games developed:-External links:* * * * from IGN* from GameSpot...	Trinity Universe Trinity Universe (video game) is a 2009 console role-playing game, co-developed by Nippon Ichi Software, Idea Factory and Gust Corporation exclusively for the PlayStation 3. The game is published by Idea Factory in Japan and NIS America in North America and Europe and was released in Japan on October 1, 2009 and in North...	October 1, 2009 (Japan) June 25, 2010 (Europe) / June 29, 2010 (North America)
Nippon Ichi Software	Last Rebellion Last Rebellion Last Rebellion is a console role-playing video game developed by Nippon Ichi Software and Hit Maker and published by Nippon Ichi Software in Japan as well as in North America and Tecmo Koei in Europe exclusively for the PlayStation 3...	January 28, 2010 (Japan) February 23, 2010 (North America) / March 26, 2010 (Europe)
Nippon Ichi Software	Disgaea 4 Disgaea 4 is a 2011 Tactical role-playing video game for the PlayStation 3 and is the fourth in the Disgaea series by Nippon Ichi Software. The game tells the story of Valvatorez, a former tyrant leading a party to rebel against the president of the Netherworld...	February 24, 2011 (Japan) September 6, 2011 (North America)
Sony Computer Entertainment Sony Computer Entertainment Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. is a major video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry, and is a wholly owned subsidiary and part of the Consumer Products & Services Group of Sony...	Gravity Daze	Japan, 2011
Seed Studios	Under Siege	June 2, 2011 (Europe and North America) / August 23, 2011 (Asia)
Sidhe Interactive Sidhe Interactive Sidhe is a game development studio based in Wellington, New Zealand.Sidhe is an officially licensed developer for Microsoft , Sony Computer Entertainment Europe , and Nintendo of America . It is also a co-founding member of the New Zealand Game Developers Association...	GripShift GripShift GripShift is a hybrid title video game that was developed by Sidhe Interactive and co-published by Red Mile Entertainment, Sony Online Entertainment and Ubisoft Entertainment for the PlayStation Portable handheld in 2005. The game was later released for download on PlayStation 3 via the PlayStation...	January 4, 2007 (North America) March 23, 2007 (Europe)
Sidhe Interactive	Shatter Shatter (video game) Shatter is a video game developed and published by Sidhe Interactive for the PlayStation 3 via the PlayStation Store, and for the PC via Steam and onlive...	July 23, 2009
thatgamecompany Thatgamecompany Thatgamecompany, stylized as thatgamecompany, is an American independent video game developer co-founded by University of Southern California students Kellee Santiago and Jenova Chen. The studio is currently a second-party developer for Sony Computer Entertainment, and is under contract to create...	flOw FlOw Flow is an indie video game created by Jenova Chen and Nicholas Clark. Originally released as a free Flash game in 2006 to accompany Chen's master's thesis, it was reworked into a 2007 PlayStation 3 game by his development studio, Thatgamecompany. SuperVillain Studios released a PlayStation...	February 22, 2007 (North America) March 23, 2007 (Europe) / May 11, 2007 (Japan)
thatgamecompany	Flower Flower (video game) Flower is a PlayStation 3 video game. It was developed by Thatgamecompany, designed by Jenova Chen and Nicholas Clark, and announced at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show. Flower was released on February 12, 2009, via the PlayStation Network. The game was intended as a "spiritual successor" to Flow, a...	February 12, 2009
thatgamecompany Thatgamecompany Thatgamecompany, stylized as thatgamecompany, is an American independent video game developer co-founded by University of Southern California students Kellee Santiago and Jenova Chen. The studio is currently a second-party developer for Sony Computer Entertainment, and is under contract to create...	Journey	Spring 2012
VectorCell	Amy Amy (video game) Amy is an upcoming survival horror action-adventure video game, developed by VectorCell and published by Lexis Numerique. According to a press release by Lexis Numerique prior to their appearance at Game Developers Conference 2011, players "escort the strange 8-year old autistic title character as...	Fall 2011