There isn't a 64bit version yet (waiting for 64bit Havok last I'd heard), but when there is there wouldn't be any extra charge or different purchase. Impulse should just install whichever your OS supports when that time comes.

64-bit havok has been released. We plan to do a 64-bit version and both versions would be in the box.

for a second I thought u said both verions will be in the x-box.

My heart skipped a beat. And then I went NOOOOOOOOO! and then I realised the mistake.

I am no expert but afaik 64-bit programs' advantage is not only the the bigger memory pool that can be addressed. First, you have an access to bigger variable sizes, thus allowing you to build a program with more precise floating-point variables, or bigger integers. There are some classes of problems that are hard to solve when you deal with 32-bit variables, as 64-bits give you more "breathing space". Second, well written x64 programs are more efficient (i.e., faster), as you can push more data to the CPU, which is designed to handle such large variables. Still most programs are written for 32-bit systems, as compatibility modes of modern processing units provide very good performance when dealing with 32-bit programs. Because of that, there is really no rush to make 64-bit programs, hence people don't usually observe any performance increase.

Regarding your concern - sure this game might consume quite a lot of RAM, if allowed to. With enough care you can create a small sized (in terms of memory consumption) and efficient program. This is because, depending on the memory model, only a part of variables takes up 64-bit of space. In the most popular LLP64 & LP64 models only "long long", "long" and pointer variables are made of 64 bits. The most popular "int", less popular "char" and rather rare "short int" are left with their default 32, 8 and 16 bit representation. Remember that the games are to be played on huge maps, thus the computer will have to store quite a lot of data, where x64 really shine.

I don't think Megatexture would be very useful here.  The game looks to be using tiles for it's maps, which means lots of small, repeated textures.  Same with the units.

Megatexture allows one to use a single massive texture in a game where the memory requirements would otherwise be prohibitive to use such a texture.  I'm sure there is some sort of overhead attached to rendering textures that way.  While it makes sense if it enables something that couldn't otherwise be done, it doesn't make sense to use it on an operation that would be inexpensive to begin with.

Regarding 64-bit, beyond the larger memory addresses, the other neat thing that "makes stuff go faster" is the availability of more processor registers.  While registers are a very complex subject I'm still learning about, more registers means the processor can load more data into itself.  For example it can load more instructions in one shot.  My understanding is this is extremely nice in predictable situations like 3D rendering or video encoding, but I've heard mixed results for less predictable situations like games.

Furthermore, 64-bit isn't always faster in every case.  Long division is known to be slower in 64-bit than 32-bit, due to having to work with larger numbers.

Overall, a lot of benchmarks I've seen show 64-bit performance has different characteristics than 32-bit, but is not always better in every case.

So I guess what I'm saying is don't get too worked up over it in any case

I hate bad news!

Thanks for sharing...

Is there any chance we'll see a 64-bit version in the future, when Intel (hopefully) lowers the price?

Come on Intel, be nice Please?

You'd think tough economic times would motivate Intel to be more flexible with their licensing schemes. Now is not the time to ignore 'small' customers like Stardock, and I wouldn't be surprised if some larger game shops are having similar frustrations. Bundling's no good unless you really need, or expect to soon need, everything in the bundle.

I'm consoling myself with the fact that I need to put off my next hardware refresh as long as I possibly can. But that's not very much consolation when compared to how much I want to see the Vasty Maps that 64-bit code will enable.

Oh Elemental will run fine on 64-bit. Most of us are running 64-bit vista or win7. The goal is to have a native 64-bit version.

Thanks kindly for the quick reply!  I figured it probably would, but figured I would play it safe.  I have to admit I wasn't aware of this game being developed until I went to reinstall GalCivII on my new box.  I can honestly say I am very surprised and happy.  I truly cannot wait for this game.

I'm probably just daydreaming but what about using AWE (Address Windowing Extension)?  I believe it is supported out of the box on 32-bit, Wow64 and 64-bit environments.  I assume you're using the free havoc binary so would using AWE in the main application create linking problems?

And... and.. what about 64-bit linking against the 32-bit dll?  Wow64 can sort of handle that, right?!

I know, I'm reaching.  It makes me sad there won't be a 64-bit version in the forseeable future.  But I guess I'll take my own advice and not get too worked up over it

We're talking to the right people at Intel. I'll keep y'all up to date!