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Sony and Immersion kiss and make up; PS3 to have rumble now? photo

Despite PR spin after PR spin, Sony will most likely want to include rumble functionality in the SIXAXIS for the PlayStation 3. The first step toward that reality just happened as Sony and Immersion finally settled their differences. From the press release covering the announcement:

Immersion Corporation, a leading developer and licensor of touch feedback technology, and Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today announced the companies have agreed to conclude their patent litigation at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and have entered into a new business agreement to explore the inclusion of Immersion technology in PlayStation format products.  

"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."  

Now that Sony can perhaps have the green light to do so, do you want rumble in your SIXAXIS or are you pleased as a peach to not have it? We already know Sony's answer. Let's see how long it takes them to take that back.

Full press release after the jump. 

Press release:

Immersion and Sony Computer Entertainment Conclude Litigation and Enter Into Business Agreement
Immersion Corporation, (Nasdaq: IMMR - News), a leading developer and licensor of touch feedback technology, and Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today announced the companies have agreed to conclude their patent litigation at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and have entered into a new business agreement to explore the inclusion of Immersion technology in PlayStation® format products.
     
"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 will receive the amount of the judgment entered by the District Court, which includes damages, pre-judgment interest, costs, and interest, in addition to retaining compulsory license fees ordered by the District Court which were already paid. Terms of the business agreement between the parties provide SCE with certain new rights with respect to Immersion's patent portfolio. Additional financial terms are not being disclosed. The conclusion of this litigation and the agreement 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 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."

About Immersion (www.immersion.com)
Founded in 1993, Immersion Corporation is a recognized leader in developing, licensing, and marketing digital touch technology and products. Using Immersion's advanced touch feedback technology, electronic user interfaces can be made more productive, compelling, entertaining, or safer. Immersion's technology is deployed across automotive, entertainment, industrial controls, medical training, mobility, and three-dimensional simulation markets. Immersion's patent portfolio includes over 600 issued or pending patents in the U.S. and other countries.

About SCEA
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one(TM) game console, the PlayStation®2 and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment systems and the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment systems and the PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
About SCEI
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3(TM)) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a new handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of- the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

 


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42 comments | showing # 1 to 42

Geoff's Avatar
Geoff at 03/01/2007 17:36
But I thought rumble was so last gen?
Toneman's Avatar
Toneman at 03/01/2007 17:37
Boy after all of this "we don't need rumble" talk, it sure would be ironic if they started making controllers with rumble, wouldn't it?
CannibalCalvin 's Avatar
CannibalCalvin at 03/01/2007 17:37
lol the wii and 360 already did this.

ps3 is a copycat... a late copycat
Namelessted's Avatar
Namelessted at 03/01/2007 17:37
hey, a little bit of good Sony news. I am still confused by this. They say its impossible, then they say its last gen and don't want it. Now they say they are going to use it or something.

Wasn't Phil Harrison saying they don't want to confuse their customers? he was talking about the multiple packages of the 360, but you think it would extend to an overall concept. This news confused me.
watup's Avatar
watup at 03/01/2007 17:38
hah i thought destructoid was supporting this kotaku dude. i come to this website after being 5 mins away and more good news about the ps3 is posted. just funny.
Geoff's Avatar
Geoff at 03/01/2007 17:40
@watup:

I think the new site banner supports Crecente plenty.
Barbara's Avatar
Barbara at 03/01/2007 17:40
It's like PS1. First without analog, then the Dual Analog, then the Dualshock. Each iteration became the standard controller bundled with the system.
watup's Avatar
watup at 03/01/2007 17:40
let the ps3 flaming begin by the 360 fanboys! keep being jealous. 360 flameboys have to always flame the ps3 whenever good news happens for the ps3.
Geoff's Avatar
Geoff at 03/01/2007 17:42
CannibalCalvin: Rumble isn't a newfound technology only found in the 360 and Wii.
Natedizzle's Avatar
Natedizzle at 03/01/2007 17:45
Yeah, what watup said. And that kotaku dude is one of the biggest flaming fanbizzoys I have ever met
Ignignokt01's Avatar
Ignignokt01 at 03/01/2007 17:45
as a 360 owner, this is great for PS3 owners. Nobody should be without rumble. Rumble should never be replaced until there's a better RUMBLE or force feedback technology. Its subtle, but oh so necessary. Its still hilarious that just last week Phil Harrison was spouting all that bullshit about rumble being Last gen and unnecessary (incase they didn't get the rights, their ass would be saved by those statements... well they lucked out i guess)
mix's Avatar
mix at 03/01/2007 17:47
watup= needs to be silenced

I own a PS3, love it...not a fanboy

I hope that if they do add rumble that no game requires it to play ex: Metal Gear...as then I would have to go out and buy a new controller as I am happy without rumble as when I get into a game I rarely pay attention to my hand vibrating...or the phone ringing.....

PatrickL's Avatar
PatrickL at 03/01/2007 17:47
i havent had a problem playing the ps3 w/o rumble. I guess sony is just reacting to their customers
Ignignokt01's Avatar
Ignignokt01 at 03/01/2007 17:47
"let the ps3 flaming begin by the 360 fanboys! keep being jealous. 360 flameboys have to always flame the ps3 whenever good news happens for the ps3."

Actually thats not true. Most 360 owners (except for the fanboys that exist for every console), like myself, don't WANT bad things to happen to the PS3. (knowing i might pick one up in the future) However, if sony does something stupid, its hard not to point and laugh.
Toneman's Avatar
Toneman at 03/01/2007 17:51
Watup is the Gamez1 of Sony.
Ignignokt01's Avatar
Ignignokt01 at 03/01/2007 17:57
Wow, I just read some of Watup's previous comments on older stories. Phil Harrison, is that you? Seriously, I don't have any problem at all enjoying your PS3, but you need get your mouth off of Sony's dick. When a company blackballs one of the most popular gaming news sites just for posting a "RUMOR", your need to 'defend' them goes beyond that of a regular PS3 fan.

If you don't like destructoid you don't have to come here and troll the fuck out of any PS3 or 360 related story.
xmetninjax's Avatar
xmetninjax at 03/01/2007 18:03
Wow, sorry but you guys are noob. If you don't see the merits in having gyroscopes built into your controller so you don't require the possession of thumbs to fly your dragon, you might as well go to microsoft like all the other idiots. I can't believe how selfish you are, is having silly rumble really worth denying all those thumb amputees the joys of video games? Ask yourself that.
jerrt's Avatar
jerrt at 03/01/2007 18:13
@ patrickl: thank you.
CaffeinePowered's Avatar
CaffeinePowered at 03/01/2007 18:28
They will make you buy two controllers now, one with tilt and one with rumble
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 03/01/2007 18:34
If rumble goes into the new controllers, that will actually eliminate a major reason I don't want a PS3. Then it just has to get some worthwhile games and not put me in the poorhouse.

@ CaffeinePowered

Assuming you've already bought the system, which consist of people who likely could care less about rumble if they're so dependent on eating whatever Sony feeds them. I kid, I kid. Kind of.

@xmetninjax

People have an issue with motion sensing at the expense of rumble, not with motion sensing in addition to rumble (like the Wii).
ArrestedDeveloper's Avatar
ArrestedDeveloper at 03/01/2007 18:36
why does watup complain in every post he makes? People are pointing out that if they introduce rumble they are being going to have to eat a bit of crow. You need to learn from xmetnijax, he defends Sony with humor and a viable point (will someone please think of the thumb amputees!), he doesn't just call everyone that doesn't agree with him a fanboy. Or at least be like barbara and state a simple fact without a bunch of flaming. In conclusion STFUAJPG.
subnet6's Avatar
subnet6 at 03/01/2007 18:37
So now are they gonna call it the SEVENAXIS?
ToasT's Avatar
ToasT at 03/01/2007 19:07
I own both systems (you know the ones I am talking about) and I have to say that I am a Gamerscore whore and enjoy my 360 more because of this and the rumble it makes every game worth owning or at least renting. Hopefully, they will release the rumble for the sixaxis and also have some kind of achievement system with the PS3 (however, I am not holding my breath). I would also like to see some network to PC functionality too. It is nice having a 60 gig HD, but I really don't want to move all my shit from my computer over USB or SD Memory chips. Oh, and more games and a price reduction on Bluray.

Enough of my wish list. Hopefully this upcoming month will improve the PS3 otherwise it will continue to collect dust and possibly get sold on eBay, if I can sell it.
watup's Avatar
watup at 03/01/2007 19:13
5.1 surround system > rumble. not getting a ps3 cause the main reason is that the controllers dont have rumble. there's too many of these chumps in this blog. just because of the smallest aspect of the console they decide not to get it. you would not have to get a new controller if rumble were to be added. for ps2 games, doesnt every game have the option of turning Rumble On or Off?
ToasT's Avatar
ToasT at 03/01/2007 19:33
I would say that the main reason not to get a PS3 is that most of the games out right now are on the 360 and the 360 is cheaper. There is no reason to buy a PS3 if you have a 360. I did and it was a mistake. The Bluray is OK, but each movie costs $30 and there is not a good selection yet. Right now I have 4 Bluray movies and 1 PS3 game. Most of the time I play PS2 games and I plan to buy GoW2 when it is released. You go to the Sony Shop on the PS3 and the most of the stuff you find in there are movie trailers *yawn* and PS1 games that you can only play on the PSP. Piss Poor.
Cruds's Avatar
Cruds at 03/01/2007 20:56
5.1 surround system > rumble....how do those two things compare? And yeah there is an off button for your rumble on the ps2, so what exactly is your point?

Funny how these Sony supporters that arrived here recently are shouting that where all Xbox fanboys. FYI I've never owned a Xbox and it's a big question mark or I ever will, I have the first two playstations. The third one..dunno about that, we just have to see what the future brings. Fucking tool.
Grimgnar's Avatar
Grimgnar at 03/01/2007 21:26
Oh my god. People actually like rumble? Stupidest feature ever. I always turn it off, and if you can't, its actually stopped me from playing a game before. It doesn't add any realism. It makes me think I've got a pager in my hand.

By the way. Pagers. Who the fuck uses pagers anymore?
Joe Burling's Avatar
Joe Burling at 03/01/2007 21:41
Add rumble to the PS3 and I'll start wanting one.

Rumble means you are using three of your senses instead of just two. It definitely adds to the game.

Good luck finding a Colossus without rumble.
Joe Burling's Avatar
Joe Burling at 03/01/2007 21:42
@Grimgnar. Would I ruin the comedic sarcasm if I said doctors use pagers?
Cruds's Avatar
Cruds at 03/01/2007 22:02
It doesn't add any realism.

Driving a car with an analog stick isn't realistic either, guess that's why they call it a game.
Magesx's Avatar
Magesx at 03/01/2007 22:04
Although I don't find rumble to be all that important as many people find it, I think it'd be a great addition. Here's to success on that front, Sony.
broham's Avatar
broham at 03/01/2007 22:09
Ok, Watup, why? just why? I know you might be just doing a parody of all the typical douches, if so, still lame. If not, go back to fucking your ps3.

Namelessted's Avatar
Namelessted at 03/01/2007 22:13
also cocks
Mxyzptlk's Avatar
Mxyzptlk at 03/02/2007 02:13
watup is a troll. Stop feeding him and he'll go away.
Grimgnar's Avatar
Grimgnar at 03/02/2007 02:18
Driving a car with an analog stick isn't realistic either, guess that's why they call it a game.

Well, that'd be a good retort, if it wasn't for the fact that the whole point of the rumble feature is to make it feel more like you're actually in the game, also known as realism. Dick.
Grimgnar's Avatar
Grimgnar at 03/02/2007 02:20
@Grimgnar. Would I ruin the comedic sarcasm if I said doctors use pagers?

What has a doctor done for me lately?

Nothing!

(On account of no health insurance)

And I really need to stop double posting.
Dr Hairy Dwarf's Avatar
Dr Hairy Dwarf at 03/02/2007 03:33
I'm a Doctor I can help.
but whats up watup?, you are the only fanboy here,
everyone here is just into games but are pissed off with
sony on going promises/lies.
Aequitas's Avatar
Aequitas at 03/02/2007 04:33
This is good news for PS3 owners. Whether you prefer your games with or without rumble, it's always preferable to have the option. I like rumble, and I'm glad to see Sony finally compromise and settle the case with Immersion.
ChillyBilly's Avatar
ChillyBilly at 03/02/2007 06:23
And just think, IF it was ever required that you HAVE to have a controller with rumble, Sony could sneak into stores everywhere late at night like Santa does at Christmas, they could blow the dust off of all those neat PS3 boxes and BAM stuff them with ruble goodness for all the boys and girls.
deiga-the-semivaliant's Avatar
deiga-the-semivaliant at 03/02/2007 07:12
Aequitas put it nicely.

Rumble isn't really all that important to me, but just the thought that it's THERE doesn't hurt any.

Although I do recall one of the PR reasons for not including rumble was that it would make the controller heavier, making it more difficult to move the controller and use it's motion features.

Unlike the Wii-mote, which only needs one hand to move, the sixaxis requires both hands, and more weight would just put more strain on your wrists...

Whatever. Still good news.
PetiePalo's Avatar
PetiePalo at 03/02/2007 09:19
I think the point of adding something new to a way of gaming is to add it for the benefit of the GAMER. Everyone loved rumble for the PS2, N64, Cube and XBox. Now Sony took 1 step forward with the system, 1 step forward with the motion sensing of the SIXAXIS, and 3 steps back with the no vibration.

If it's something your gamers have grown used to why get rid of it?
deiga-the-semivaliant's Avatar
deiga-the-semivaliant at 03/02/2007 10:15
I wouldn't say three steps back, Palo, but you're right.
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