Sony and Immersion reach settlement, feel good vibrations

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Mar 1st 2007 at 7:57PM }

The patent litigation saga between Sony and Immersion Corporation has at last come to a close. After being sued for $91 million dollars following the DualShock's alleged incorporation of Immersion rumble technology, Sony has paid up and entered into a new business arrangement with its former courtroom nemesis. The GameDaily BIZ report notes that both parties are currently evaluating the possibilities such an agreement would entail for the PlayStation line of products.

As Sony's director of corporate communications puts it, "We are very pleased to have reached a cooperative agreement with Immersion regarding the use of its advanced vibration technology (haptics technology). We look forward to working closely with them as we explore new and innovative ways to utilize this technology in PlayStation products." A future, rumbling version of the Sixaxis remains a distinct possibility and certainly one that could easily be supported by developers in upcoming games -- even if it is a bit last-gen.

Tags: Dual Shock, DualShock, Immersion, PS3, Sixaxis

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

AssemblyLineHuman @ Mar 1st 2007 8:01PM

Great news. Lack of rumble is one of two deal-breakers for me. If Sony can eliminate that, it's just a matter of waiting for the price to drop within a reasonable range for someone like me who is not looking for something that plays Blu-Ray movies or music or anything like that.

Uh_Oh @ Mar 1st 2007 8:02PM

Wow, I never thought Sony would man-up on this. Now we can get rumble back in the system. Good thing I haven't bought one yet.

Grindstone @ Mar 1st 2007 8:04PM

Maybe this is the big announcement for next week that will make Playstation gamers "happy". Finally, the PS3 gets rumble technology. Welcome to the party, you're late.

JesseJames @ Mar 1st 2007 8:07PM

Sony makin power moves. Micro-soft has no choice but to drop prices and give up on the xbox 360 in favor of a new model Xbox; unbelievable! The xbox 360 abandoned after a year!!!!!
Make no mistake; adding HDMI and a 120 hard drive makes this a new model; it is simply not an upgrade.
There is no way to integrate HDMI into the current console.

Now whos not looking so good?

Nicholas Sulikowski @ Mar 1st 2007 8:08PM

A future rumbling SIXAXIS eh? Didn't Sony just say like a few days ago that rumble was "last-gen"?

AssemblyLineHuman @ Mar 1st 2007 8:10PM

http://kotaku.com/gaming/sony/sony-and-kotaku-makeup-240922.php
Would you look at that. Are pigs flying? Today seems surreal (and not just for video game news reasons).

michael @ Mar 1st 2007 8:11PM

jessejames,

douche, what does that have to do with anything,

Kevin @ Mar 1st 2007 8:13PM

JesseJames, you're an idiot.

If anything it means Sony has finally admitted that you need rumble.

Now all those idiot fanboys who say rumble isn't needed are celebrating with jubilation. All of the sudden rumble is cool now.

Optimus Prime @ Mar 1st 2007 8:15PM

Cool they can add firmware update to enable rumble and devs, if they are so inclined, can patch their released games to include it.

Scratch off another tick off nintenbox fanboy hate list.

Figboy @ Mar 1st 2007 8:15PM

finally you post this story.

for a moment i thought you guys were too busy sipping champaigne and patting each other on the back for another job well done in fanning the flames of discord with that "Sony blackballs Kotaku" story.

fffunfarm06---xbl @ Mar 1st 2007 8:16PM

wow. just weeks ago they say that rumble is next gen like the person above said, and that the only reason they didnt have rumble was cause it interfers with the six axis. so now they straight up lie to us. with this and everything else that sony has done, i fucking hate them. with a passion.

fuckers

ZenGaijin @ Mar 1st 2007 8:19PM

Now what are all the original Six Axis owners to do when the rumbling sixaxis comes out?

sheppy @ Mar 1st 2007 8:19PM

I really have to say this.

Is this crazy upside down fucking Sony lala land today? I don't think any other company has had so much crap go down in the span of 24 hours...

sheppy @ Mar 1st 2007 8:20PM

"Now what are all the original Six Axis owners to do when the rumbling sixaxis comes out?"

I'm keeping mine. I don't care for rumble.

is @ Mar 1st 2007 8:26PM

Sheppy, why lie to save face on a gaming forum?

The one thing this story proves is that phil harrison is a complete and total twatface. I hope some blogger puts him on the spot by asking "So, why did your company pay top dollar for a last gen feature?"

Twatface mcgee.

Dolla Dolla @ Mar 1st 2007 8:27PM

This will make Kojima-san happy. I wonder if he'll use it in MGS4 like he wants...

Jason @ Mar 1st 2007 8:29PM

Thanks to all the early adopter fanboys! Now with rumble, the Playstation Home and a price drop, I just might get back on the Sony bandwagon again (once it's hacked)...

We have disgraced our honor! ahahahaaha
Immersion totally raped them...

bootsielon @ Mar 1st 2007 8:30PM

I am a fan of Sony, and sometimes I said that I prefer motion sensing to rumble (until I played motorstorm, which SHOULD have rumble). But of course, I always thought having both was great. Now, having both, and having cutting edge tech, upscaled true backwards compatibility, and if "PlayStation Home" is true... then what else could I want?!?!

This is great for gamers. I mean, of course a lot of people will say "Sony ripping off!! LOL how usual", but this should make 360 and Wii fanboys happy, as Nintendo and Microsoft will be forced to keep making competitive moves. This was a great day for gaming.

AssemblyLineHuman @ Mar 1st 2007 8:32PM

C'mon, is. What did sheppy say that is a lie? He only said two things:

1. A lot of stuff has happened with Sony today. Is this a lie? Let's review:
- Kotaku hears rumor about big PS3 feature and leaks rumor. The rumor has received mixed response but is a big idea that will undoubtedly help convince a few people to buy a PS3 when we find out it's true.
- Sony pitches a fit over Kotaku's rumor leak and breaks ties with Kotaku.
- Sony and Immersion settle. This helps bring people like me over to the "might buy a PS3 in the distant future" camp.
- Sony, in a shocking turn of events, actually mends ties with Kotaku.
And that's just as far as video games go. I would say that's a pretty busy day.

2. He doesn't like rumble. So what? I know a few people who don't like rumble. It happens to be an absolute necessity of a next-gen console for me, but that doesn't mean someone can't feel differently.

Killer @ Mar 1st 2007 8:32PM

2 things will happen:

1. Microsoft will buy Immersion Corp.
or
2. Sony will get rid of the six-axis. The only reason sony ever did the six-axis wasn't becuase that's what they were going for, it was because there was no rumble. they couldn't have a lame nothing contoller, they had to add something.

Also, where are those fanboys at that were all, "I don't care about Rumble, it's lame". I better not be seeing you buy that new controller if it comes out. Then you would be a hypocrite.

DBX00 @ Mar 1st 2007 8:35PM

Forget the rumble controller...give me the rumble vest...

Joshua @ Mar 1st 2007 8:40PM

"18. I am a fan of Sony, and sometimes I said that I prefer motion sensing to rumble (until I played motorstorm, which SHOULD have rumble). But of course, I always thought having both was great. Now, having both, and having cutting edge tech, upscaled true backwards compatibility, and if "PlayStation Home" is true... then what else could I want?!?!"

Games.

AssemblyLineHuman @ Mar 1st 2007 8:40PM

Hahahah, DBX00, that actually sounds awesome. A little over the top, but awesome nonetheless.

razer @ Mar 1st 2007 8:41PM

JesseJames: Gimme a break!
All this shows is Sony is still confused this gen and have no idea wtf their doing; and of course Sony drones like yourself eat it up. Rumble is every-gen and the fact that Sony is so arrogant to even say it's last-gen makes me laugh. Now with the rumor Mii and Achievement rip-offs you guys are almost at a Wi60 experience. Just a few more things for Sony to steal, oh sorry, I mean innovate(XBL) and you will have the experience most of us have been having since the launch of the 360 and Wii. Well, except with more/better games.

I'm with the majority that Sony's arrogance has turned me off, just like the PS3 sitting on my entertainment center since I finished RFOM.

is @ Mar 1st 2007 8:47PM

AssemblyLineHuman:

"2. He doesn't like rumble. So what? I know a few people who don't like rumble. It happens to be an absolute necessity of a next-gen console for me, but that doesn't mean someone can't feel differently."

I think he was just trying to save face for all the blind sony support he might have previously bellowed regarding the uselessness of rumble. I dont see how anyone can not like it. At worst its a nifty feature that can usually be turned off, at best its in integral part of the game that constitutes a portion of the gameplay.

ace @ Mar 1st 2007 8:48PM

if they actually get rumble. im all in. i was waiting for something extra. this is it. 20GB here i come. :D

Psaakyrn @ Mar 1st 2007 8:50PM

1 very simple proof that runble is not essential to gameplay:

There's another gaming option which doesn't have rumble at all. It's called the PC.

There is nowhere that mentions that rumble will be implemented in PS3, don't get ahead of yourselves; For all we know, it may be for PS4 or the next iteration of PSP. (If the next iteration involves it merging with a phone, this becomes a lot more likely... though they'll probably have to ditch the minidisc technology. Not that that's a bad thing..)

Ballzdeep @ Mar 1st 2007 8:52PM

First off, "twatface mcgee" is damn funny. Bravo, Is.

Secondly, Sony makes me want to scratch my genitalia. How could prominant figures of a corporation (i.e. Mr. Phil Harrision) make bold statements and then have their company directly against such claims? As a Nintendo fan, I was just as annoyed by the "miscommunication between Kaplan et al.

Enough of this nonsesne. These execs need to check themselves before making an ass of themselves and their company. Heaven forbid my boy Fil-aimizzle made announcements only to then see Nintendo act against his words.

However, the PS3 getting rumble is a step in the right direction. Goo' fo' Sony. Don't get it twisted though, I shant be buying a PS3 until that price simmers down a bit.

Psaakyrn @ Mar 1st 2007 8:52PM

to #26 robby1051

Please do research on Immersion before proclaiming them as pateny squatters.

blamecanada @ Mar 1st 2007 8:53PM

4. Sony makin power moves. Micro-soft has no choice but to drop prices and give up on the xbox 360 in favor of a new model Xbox; unbelievable! The xbox 360 abandoned after a year!!!!!
Make no mistake; adding HDMI and a 120 hard drive makes this a new model; it is simply not an upgrade.
There is no way to integrate HDMI into the current console.

Now whos not looking so good?

Yea, because output cable and local storage medium define a system. It's not like it does the exact same job or anything.

ZapDash @ Mar 1st 2007 8:59PM

I hate the PS3 and am a Nintendo Fanboy to the full extent of the phrase but I am willing to say this-

Good Job Sony!

Hopefully this is the first of many steps in the right direction.

tmmoore_nc @ Mar 1st 2007 9:00PM

Having Rumble in handhelds means having the battery life reduced. Last time I checked, the PSP's battery life isn't so hot.

The PS3 is going to last 3 years, and having a Rumble controller out by the holidays would be great for Sony.

Night Elve @ Mar 1st 2007 9:01PM

Well guys of course rumble feature is a must have ... if you have a dildo ... xD

RoroCo @ Mar 1st 2007 9:04PM

Please tell me where on earth does it say the SIXAXIS will get rumble from this article? People - Sony and Immersion settled up for past due money. They did not say that since all is good that they can now put rumble back in.

Yes they said they look forward to working with the company now, but that means almost nothing. Hell, it could mean something as minute as force feedback back in a Sony brand steering wheel - which if they didn't have FF it would have been crap.

Still... it is quite funny watching you guys jump to conclusions.

JesseJames @ Mar 1st 2007 9:05PM

Motion Sensing, Rumble, Software emulation for BC which will also upscale games.

WAIT A SECOND DID SOMEONE SAY SOMETHING ABOUT STEALING!!!!

MICROSOFTS EMPIRE EVOLVED FROM THE ROBBERY OF THE GUI THAT APPLE DEVELOPED FOR THEIR OS AFTER STEALING IT FROM XEROX!!!! LMAO!!!!

Micro-soft needs to just lay the gloves on the floor because the one two KO punch was just delivered with Massive TNT by sony!!!!

Heres to looking at the PSP2 touchscreen portable gaming, music, movie player, internet communicator, Wifi Cell phone.

Now that's what's up!!!!

ALH @ Mar 1st 2007 9:08PM

weird, i was literally thinking about this out of the blue this morning, and i dont even have/want a ps3 :S

Psaakyrn @ Mar 1st 2007 9:09PM

to #33 tmmoore_nc

Yes, battery life will be reduced, but any new technology (except for cost-saving or energy saving ones) will always reduce battery life. The same arguement can be applied to the disk based media (spinny things eat up battery life!) or high resolution graphics (more pixels to calculate, more pixels to draw!) or even better CPU (want more calculations? gimmie more power!). For all you know, there may have been substancial energy savings in other areas to make up for it. (in Nintendo's case, it's already been realised)

OGHowie @ Mar 1st 2007 9:12PM

I need to go return this sealed Sixaxis controller.

bootsielon @ Mar 1st 2007 9:13PM

LOL, Joshua, I forgot. Well played man, well played. I assumed games were a given.

Anyway, today's news, and whatever is unveiled at GDC, will convince more people to hop on the Sony bandwagon, and others to hop back in. That should bring more games to the PlayStation camp.

It's good that Sony is getting their shit together. Good for Sony fanboys, Sony fans, PS3 owners, and of course, all gamers and the industry in general.

Today is a happy day.

forsho @ Mar 1st 2007 9:18PM

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.

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/769/769390p1.html

They better put it back..sony listen to us you will satisfy thousand of people..

bootsielon @ Mar 1st 2007 9:19PM

Grindstone... Nobody is late to the party. The party has barely started. In fact, some features that are already built-in on the PS3 will never arrive on the Wii, and some will never arrive on the 360. But it seems that with all these recent news, whatever Sony didn't have, now has or will soon have, and even more. So, who's features are late to the party, or will never arrive to begin with? The console race is a marathon, not a sprint.

I also can't wait to read ZeroCorpse's comments on the recent news flashes.

Rob @ Mar 1st 2007 9:19PM

@ ZenGaijin

violently shake their SIXAXIS' in frustration?

ill trooper @ Mar 1st 2007 9:19PM

"12. Now what are all the original Six Axis owners to do when the rumbling sixaxis comes out?

Posted at 8:19PM on Mar 1st 2007 by ZenGaijin"

If it comes to pass that there is a rumble-enabled Sixaxis, I will put my non-rumble Sixaxis on the shelf right next to my original 'DUKE' Xbox controller... Or are you not old or 'zen' enough to remember that debacle?

I'll tell you this... I'll hold off on buying a second Sixaxis until I hear more 'rumblings' about this.

p.s. I love typing that palindrome

ill trooper @ Mar 1st 2007 9:21PM

Oh wait... I like Rob's prediction more! I already do that waiting for games!

Psaakyrn @ Mar 1st 2007 9:32PM

"13. I really have to say this.

Is this crazy upside down fucking Sony lala land today? I don't think any other company has had so much crap go down in the span of 24 hours...

Posted at 8:19PM on Mar 1st 2007 by sheppy"

No, the biggest insanity happened during the Wii naming announcement. There's almost nothing in the gaming scene that can ever beat that. :p

rokobungi @ Mar 1st 2007 9:36PM

ok now if they can just make a Vagrant Story 2 and get the ps3 to sub $300 and make it stackable (why in the world did they make it a DOME that can't go in my entertainment center without being on top of the stack that's for my dreamcast a slot loader should be STACKABLE!!) I'll buy one (also provided that blu-ray 'wins' this silly media format war and all basic new releases drop to $22 or less MSRP)

Negativecool @ Mar 1st 2007 9:40PM

I would definitely buy a PS3 in the future regardless of price if a rumbling "SIXAXIS" were given the green light.

I can totally see MGS4, and FFXIII coming out with "premium" versions later on that take advantage of vibration control, like what was done for certain PS1 games when it later had vibration functionality (Resident Evil 2 with Dual Shock support was one of my first PS1 games)

Rumble was the only thing keeping me on the fringe.

Sonyfanboyssuck (ROFL SUCH A CLEVER NAME!!!111oneone!!!1) @ Mar 1st 2007 9:56PM

JesseJames, first of all, it's Microsoft, not Micro-soft, you fucking idiot.

Second of all, calm down, you're going to spontaneously light the whole damn forest on fire with all the flaming that you're doing.

Iridium @ Mar 1st 2007 10:14PM

30. to #26 robby1051

Please do research on Immersion before proclaiming them as pateny squatters.
---------------------------------

Actually please do some research and see that Immersions patent is total BS and immersion has never made a viable consumer product. Immersions original business was to make a handle for sonar operators that vibrated when it picked up something under the water. Somehow this applies to vibrating controllers.

Imeersions patent is essentially "handheld controller that vibrates" Covering any company that makes a controller shake. The lawsuit was thorwn out of every court in the world other than the USofA. Sony has an international patent that trumps Immersion but that doesn't matter in lawsuit give the judge a nice backroom bribe land.