The AquaMark 3 benchmark allows users to observe the new graphical techniques made possible by DirectX 9 and determine the performance of these features in a real world application.

Commenting on this development, Alexander Jorias, Managing Director of Massive Development said: "AquaMark 3 has reached a development stage and includes features which facilitate worldwide professional benchmark tests with DirectX 9. In addition, we believe it is now user-friendly enough to be implemented by end users as well."

Aquamark 3 will be available for public download in March.

JoWooD Productions UK LTD. of Bushey, Hertfordshire, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Austria-based JoWooD productions Software AG, a publicly traded company on the Vienna Stock Exchange, which is rapidly establishing itself as a leading force in the video games industry. Its strategy is to identify develop and publish internationally competitive, high-quality entertainment software for all existing next-generation gaming platforms. JoWooD Productions has in-house development facilities in Vienna and Ebensee, Austria and a fast growing roster of exceptional subsidiary studios, including Wings Simulations and Massive Development in Germany.