After years of suing, counter-suing, appeals, ad nauseum…Sony Computer Entertainment and Immersion Corporation have ended their on going patent litigation and have formed a business agreement. This business agreement calls for implementing Immersion technology into PlayStation products. In other words, we can likely expect to see a vibrating SixAxis controller, in addition to a host of other feedback generating accessories and peripherals.
"We are pleased to have put this litigation behind us," said Immersion CEO Victor Viegas. "Our new business agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment is specifically intended to enable advanced vibration capability for the benefit of the PlayStation gaming community. We are happy to provide our technology in this regard and hope to make technical proposals very soon with respect to use of our technology in the PlayStation products."
Immersion was awarded judgment which will have Sony pay an unspecified amount for damages, pre-judgment interest, cost, standard interest, and also have Immersion retain the license fee to their patented product (fees that Sony already paid for).
"We look forward to exploring with Immersion exciting new ways to bring the largest and best range of gameplay experiences to our customers," said Kazuo Hirai, President and Group Chief Operating Officer, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "We are very excited about our new partnership with Immersion and the potential for new and innovative products incorporating their technologies."
Sony was granted certain rights as well; rights that will not impede on any of Immersion's patents. Seems like a win-win situation for both, especially the gamers. Now the question is when will Sony announce a new controller, and what will they name it? I got 10 on "AxisShock". Sounds catchy.