Irish software company Havok has won an international award for its work to make computer games more realistic.
The US National Academy of Television, Arts & Sciences Award won by Havok last night was voted for by a panel of industry experts.
Based in the Digital Hub in Dublin, Havok has developed pioneering physics engines based next generation physics, animation and software tools.
The technology is included in many of the world's best selling games including Halo 3, Assassin's Creedand Guitar Hero III.
The technology is also being used in films and has been used for special effects on titles Poseidon, The Matrix, Troy, Kingdom of Heavenand Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The company started as an incubation project in Trinity College in Dublin in 1998 and now works with the world's best known game developers. Havok also has offices in San Francisco, San Antonio, Calcutta, Munich and Tokyo.
David O'Meara, Managing Director of Havok said the award shows just how far Havok has travelled.
"I am proud to accept this award on behalf of the entire team at Havok whose ongoing creativity and dedication has made our physics the global market leader in such a short space of time," he said.
