March 1, 2007 - Who would have thought that this day would come? Sony Computer Entertainment and Immersion announced today that both companies have agreed to put an end to their ongoing legal dispute and enter into a business agreement to incorporate Immersion's patented force feedback technology into future "PlayStation format products." Whether this means that the technology will be incorporated in future versions of the PlayStation 3's Sixaxis controller is still unclear, although what other "PlayStation format products" could they be talking about?
"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."
As part of the agreement reached between the two companies, Immersion will be granted the full amount dictated by the District Court -- this includes damages, pre-judgment interest, and legal fees. The agreement also provides Sony with expanded rights with respect to Immersion's patents. No additional financial details were revealed, but it is expected that the termination of the litigation will have no material impact on Sony's consolidated earnings forecast announced on January 30, 2007.
"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 "Kaz" Hirai, of Sony Computer Entertainment. "We are very excited about our new partnership with Immersion and the potential for new and innovative products incorporating their technologies."
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