Gizmodo: Rumble

Immersion and Microsoft Settle It Once and For All

Mark Wilson — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EDT

For those keeping up with Immersion's many legal battles over their patented rumble technology being used in console controllers, the company has finally settled with Microsoft...again. You see, Microsoft used Immersion's rumble in their 360 controllers without paying. Immersion sued, and Microsoft paid up. But then Sony used the rumble tech as well to make the Dual Shock 3, which activated a contingency that Microsoft negotiated earlier forcing Immersion to pay them if other companies licensed the tech. But Immersion wouldn't pay. (Now they did.)

Immersion forked over $20.75 million to Microsoft to settle the suit and become part of the Microsoft Certified Partner Program. Other terms of the deal were not disclosed, but there's a good chance that money is flowing in both directions.

So not that it matters to your next Halo 3 deathmatch, but Immesion and Microsoft have...once again...settled their legal battle. Hooray! [Kotaku]

Mindwire V5 Shocking Game Accessory: Rumble is for the Weak

Sean Fallon — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:20:18 EST

You know what would make gaming even more fun? Pain. Or at least that is what the folks at Mindwire would like you to think. Their new Mindwire V5 unit helps you get into the action with sensations ranging from a "crashing car to the blast of a machine gun's multiple bullets hitting you; a sharp zap all the way through to a soft massaging feeling." Five self-adhesive pads are connected to the arms, legs and stomach that administer a range of electric shocks to create sensations that mimic in-game action.

The system works with most PS2, Gamecube, and XBox games as well as PC games that support force feedback. Next gen consoles are also supported—in certain configurations (a full list of compatible games is available on the website). So, I'm not sure about all of this electric shock business, but tell me more about this "soft massaging feeling?" The Mindwire is available for £99.99 (or $200). [Mindwire via PocketLint via Geeky Gadgets]

PS3 Firmware v1.94 to Add DualShock3 Support?

Sean Fallon — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:50:28 EDT

According to Shacknews, the latest PS3 software update, v1.94, will add support for the upcoming DualShock3 rumble controller. The update will also include Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, the first PS3 game to take advantage of DualShock3. Apparently the rumble feature can be toggled by pressing the PS button in the middle of the controller and selecting it via the options screen. Unfortunately those of us in the US and Europe won't be able to take advantage of this new/old functionality until this spring, when the DualShock3 is released to the masses (outside of Japan of course.)[Shacknews via Kotaku]

PlayStation 3's DualShock 3 Tech Exactly the Same as DualShock 2 Tech

Jason Chen — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:50:46 EDT

We asked you yesterday whether you were happy or annoyed that rumble is back on the DualShock 3 for the PS3, but this new revelation may change your answer. GameDaily BIZ confirmed with SCEA that the rumble technology in the DualShock 3 is exactly the same as the on in the DualShock 2, and doesn't take advantage of "Immersion's new next-generation vibration technology."

This is undoubtedly because Sony didn't want to license anything more than they had to from Immersion, who caused this whole rumble/no rumble mess in the first place with the lawsuit. After paying up to Immersion, Sony could put rumble back in to their DualShock 3s—which works just fine with the SIXAXIS sensing technology at the same time. As if anyone believed that rumble and motion sensing couldn't work together in the first place, which was Sony's first excuse. [GameDaily]

Are you Happy or Annoyed Rumble is Back on the PS3 Dual Shock?

Brian Lam — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:55:06 EDT

KSo last night, in Tokyo, Sony announced the long rumored PS3 controller with rumble. Considering the rechargeable batteries, wireless and rumble function, a pair of these is going to be about $100, you know? Is it better that they took it away and gave it back? Or should they have left it dead? Will someone make a PS2 DUALSHOCK adapter so we can recycle my rumbly PS2 joypads? Are you plunking down for these things?

Sony Playstation DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller Officially Rumbly [UPDATED]

Brian Lam — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:07:24 EDT

Kaz Hirai just announced it at TGS, in the US and Europe Spring 08, Japan in November. Ten titles supported including the new Metal Gear, no price yet. UPDATED: Game list below. [Kotaku]

DUALSHOCK(R)3 Wireless Controller with Rumble Feature to be Introduced for Playstation(R)3
TOKYO, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI)
today announced that it would release DUALSHOCK(R)3 Wireless Controller, a new
controller for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(R)) incorporating a rumble feature, in
Japan in November as a separately sold accessory. It inherits the basic
design and functionality of the popular PlayStation(R) controller, while
keeping the high-precision, high response motion sensitive six-axis sensing
system. Introduction to North American and European markets is expected in
spring 2008.
The added rumble feature, combined with the highly realistic motion
sensitive six-axis sensing system, takes gamers deeper into the world of
interactivity, delivering a more intuitive, realistic and immersive game play
experience. The new controller will also benefit PS3 content creators, by
giving them the ability to further expand their creative imagination. PS3
titles that are already in the market may become compatible with the rumble
feature through software update.
With DUALSHOCK 3 and the attractive lineup of PS3 titles incorporating the
rumble feature, SCEI will introduce more new ways of enjoyment that can only
be found on PS3, and will further redefine the world of entertainment.

LIST OF PLAYSTATION(R)3 TITLES COMPATIBLE WITH DUALSHOCK(R)3 IN JAPAN
As of September 20th, 2007
(in alphabetical order of company name)

Title Name Developer/Publisher
Vampire Rain -Altered Species- AQ INTERACTIVE Inc.
BIOHAZARD(R) 5 CAPCOM CO.,LTD.
Devil May Cry(R) 4 CAPCOM CO.,LTD.
Dark Sector D3 PUBLISHER Inc.
Burnout Paradise ELECTRONIC ARTS K.K.
FIFA franchise (title name TBD) ELECTRONIC ARTS K.K.
BUMPY TROT2 IREM SOFTWARE ENGINEERING INC.
Dynasty Warriors 6 KOEI Co., Ltd.
Fatal Inertia KOEI Co., Ltd.
GI JOCKEY 4 2007 KOEI Co., Ltd.
METAL GEAR ONLINE Konami Digital
Entertainment Co., Ltd.
METAL GEAR SOLID 4 GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS Konami Digital
Entertainment Co., Ltd.
IMABIKISOU SEGA CORPORATION
Blast Factor (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
echochrome Sony Computer Entertainment
Folklore (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
Go! Sports Ski (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
Heavenly Sword (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
MotorStorm (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Sony Computer Entertainment
Destruction
Resistance: Fall of Men (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
Super Stardust HD (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
TOY HOME Sony Computer Entertainment
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Sony Computer Entertainment
Warhawk (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

LIST OF PLAYSTATION(R)3 TITLES COMPATIBLE WITH DUALSHOCK(R)3 IN NORTH
AMERICA AND EUROPE *2
As of September 20th, 2007
(in alphabetical order of company name)
Title Name Developer/Publisher
The Darkness 2K Games
Enemy Territory: Quake Wars Activision
Soldier of Fortune Activision
BIOHAZARD(R) 5 CAPCOM
Devil May Cry(R) 4 CAPCOM
N-Cube Creat Studios
Warbit Creat Studios
Dark Sector D3 PUBLISHER
Turok Disney Interactive
Highlander Eidos
Kane & Lynch: Dead Men Eidos
Burnout Paradise ELECTRONIC ARTS
FIFA franchise (title name TBD) ELECTRONIC ARTS
Legendary: The Box Gamecock
To End All Wars Ghostlight
RAGE id Software
WarDevil - Unleash the Beast Ignition Entertainment
Within
Dynasty Warriors 6 KOEI
Fatal Inertia KOEI
METAL GEAR SOLID 4 GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS Konami
Blacksite: Area 51 Midway
TNA Wrestling Midway
Unreal Tournament 3 Midway
Wheelman Midway
Cops (codename, title name TBD) Pyro
Planet One (codename, title name TBD) Pyro
Heroes over Europe Red Mile Entertainment
Condemned 2 SEGA
Iron Man SEGA
The Club SEGA
The Crucible SEGA
The Incredible Hulk SEGA
Blast Factor (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
echochrome Sony Computer Entertainment
Elefunk Sony Computer Entertainment
Folklore (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
Go! Sports Ski (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
Heavenly Sword (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
High Velocity Bowling Sony Computer Entertainment
MLB 08: The Show Sony Computer Entertainment
MotorStorm (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
NBA 08 (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
PAIN Sony Computer Entertainment
Rat Race Sony Computer Entertainment
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Sony Computer Entertainment
Destruction
Resistance: Fall of Man (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
Snakeball Sony Computer Entertainment
SOCOM: Confrontation Sony Computer Entertainment
Super Stardust HD (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
TOY HOME Sony Computer Entertainment
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Sony Computer Entertainment
Warhawk (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
WipEout HD Sony Computer Entertainment
GirpShift(R) Sony Online Entertainment
NBA 2K8 Take Two Sports
Destroy All Humans 3 THQ
Stuntman Ignition THQ
Assassin's Creed UbiSoft
BEOWULF UbiSoft
HAZE UbiSoft
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced UbiSoft
Warfighter 2 (*1)
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas (*1) UbiSoft
Prototype Vivendi Games
The Chronicles of Riddick: Vivendi Games
Assault on Dark Athena
(*1) Users will be able to enjoy the rumble feature through software
update.
(*2) Actual titles to be released may vary among countries and regions.

EA Confirms PS3 Rumble Controller With Live Unit

Jason Chen — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:40:11 EDT

Confirming the previous "confirmation" about rumble coming to the PS3, EA has a Burnout Paradise demo booth set up at Tokyo Game Show complete with rumbling controllers. The controller itself looked exactly like a SIXAXIS, but had a sticker beneath it that said "RUMBLE." It was also much heavier, says IGN, than the standard SIXAXIS—which is to be expected. The rumble itself felt the same as the PS2's, which is unfortunate, because we were hoping for a 1989 Loma Prieta-level of shaking in this new one. [IGN via Kotaku - Thanks to Kotaku reader Peter]

Powerpoint Docs Point to Immersion vs. Nintendo Suit

Jason Chen — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 15:22:54 EDT

These Powerpoint presentation slides unearthed by Rumor Reporter shine new light onto a possible suit on Nintendo by Immersion. Immersion, if you don't remember, is the same company that recently won their suit with Sony for millions of dollars (and settled with Microsoft earlier) regarding vibration in controllers. These new Immersion documents outline their somewhat slimy train of thought as they debate whether or not they want to bring Nintendo into court as well.

The reasons Immersion gives for suing Nintendo are getting profit stream of somewhere near $100 million over five years from them and building "recognition". The reasons against? Them having no guarantee of winning, no opportunity of working with Nintendo (MS and Sony haaaaaate them), and the fact that they'd be "effectively out of the game business". If you sue the three biggest players in an industry, yeah, you're pretty much fucked.

Despite all this, we think Immersion is going to go ahead and sue anyway. After all, what the hell else do they do as a business? [Rumor Reporter]

Sony Sends SIXAXIS Prototype to Developers, Doesn't Have Rumble

Jason Chen — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:00:53 EDT

Sony's been passing out a slightly tweaked SIXAXIS controller to developers to work into their upcoming games. The good news is these SIXAXIS+ controllers have better motion sensing. The bad news is they don't have rumble. Sony says this is just the natural evolution of controller development. Everyone else says give them their goddamn rumble back. [Gamepro via Kotaku]

Prisoners Use N64 Rumble Packs For Tattooing

Mark Wilson — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 13:55:01 EDT

Not being well-versed in the areas of our penal system...our collective penal system... we had no idea that the N64 rumble pack was huge with prison tattoo artists. A maximum security prison guard recently wrote our sister site Kotaku, and here's what he had to say:

It is actually pretty easy. There are no workshops in maximum security. They do it in their rooms with a battery(power) taped to a tube(could be a pen or a tightly wound piece of paper). The motor from the rumble pack is taken out and attached to the top of the tube. A needle or pin is run down the middle of the tube. when "on" the needle will move up and down like a sewing machine. The needle is then dipped in "ink." This is made a number of ways the easiest is to use ball point pen ink, but they could use other items to get different colors or looks.

Of course, every flaming skull has an uncanny resemblance to a turtle shell.

The Nintendo 64: adored by children and convicts alike. Nintendo really has broken the cultural barriers of gaming and created something...quite special. [kotaku]

Saitek's Cyborg PC Controller Has Precision Snipe Mode

Jason Chen — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 18:00:01 EDT

Although not officially announced at E3, Saitek's latest Cyborg Rumble gamepad for the PC takes the best of the Xbox 360 controller and enhances it with some FPS-friendly features. First off, there's a precision control toggle, which when activated, turns down the sensitivity on the sticks so you can go in for a headshot easier.

If this sounds familiar, that's because the Splitfish FragFX controller does the same thing, except for the PS3. There's also the Xbox 360-like design of the Cyborg, which is perfect for all the ports of Xbox 360 games heading to Games for Windows this year. Also included in the setup is a Cyborg headset, which has 5.1 surround sound audio (three drivers in each ear) and a mic for jive talking. No pricing on either one, but they should be released later this year. [IGN]

PS3 SIXAXIS Rumble Returning Soon

Jason Chen — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:50:54 EDT

Now that all the lawsuit business is over between Sony and Immersion, the former is free to incorporate rumble back into their controllers. The PlayStation Magazine France edition has some details on the upcoming rumbling gamepads.

First, all that motion sensing can co-exist with rumble. Who'd have thought? Oh, right, everyone but Sony.

We seriously can't make heads of tails of this French/English translation below, but we think there shouldn't be much difference in the construction of the controller. It doesn't seem like it will consume more battery than the old controller even if there's rumble? And you'll be able to use rumble on PS2 games once the firmware's updated. Seriously, you try and read this thing.

- the gyroscopic functions can cohabit with the vibrations. The explanation? The speed to which a player can move the lever is quite lower at the speed of the vibrations. - the engine of vibration could be inclu in the lever without having to modify the form of it. There is enough place for the new engine, and this one, concus by Immersion, are lighter for an obstruction equivalent. - One indeed has to expect a reduction in the autonomy of Sixaxis. Nevertheless, the new engine of vibration does not consume more than the old models (Dualshock) in spite of the fact that it is more powerful. - the new engine is less expensive to build, and a possible rise in price of the pad should be only very light. - With an update of the firmware, we will be able to have the vibrations for plays PS2

Maxconsole [via Gamerush]

PS3 Vibration Return Confirmed?

Jason Chen — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 20:00:35 EDT

This could just be a case of a mistaken developer, but Cory Barlog, a guy working on the PS3 version of God of War 3, has said there will be SIXAXIS and vibration support in the upcoming game. Wait, vibration support? Through the "standard" SIXAXIS controller? Does this mean that Sony's recent settlement with Immersion is really going to bring vibration back to the PS3? We hope so. – Jason Chen

God of War 3 Confirmed, With Vibration! [gwn]

Sony Settles Vibrator Dispute, Rumble Coming Back?

Travis Hudson — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 13:45:14 EST

Sony and Immersion have settled their long-faught lawsuit regarding the rumble technology Sony uses in its controllers. The deal reached between Sony and Immersion would open a door allowing Sony to add this technology to the Sixaxis controllers for the PS3. Immersion's CEO has already stated that a technical proposal for rumble PS3 controllers will be made very soon.

Immersion originally sued Sony for $97.2 million for patent infringement, which Sony quickly appealed. To continue selling PS2 accessories, Sony paid Immersion $30.6 million, but left the vibrating feature out of the PS3 controller claiming that the rumble feature would not work with a motion sensing controller, which may or may not be true (but sounds like a lot of BS to me). So what happens if they do re-release the Sixaxis? Will the people who already purchased controllers be SOL? –Travis Hudson

Sony, vibration tech maker end patent dispute [News.com]

More Sony Tomfoolery: Rumbling Controllers is a "Last Generation Feature"

Jason Chen — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 21:05:35 EST

As if gimping the PAL PS3's backward compatibility wasn't enough tomfoolery for the month (yeah, yeah, we know it was to cut costs), now Sony's gone and declared controller rumble outdated. Sony's Phil Harrison says:

I believe that the Sixaxis controller offers game designers and developers far more opportunity for future innovation than rumble ever did. Now, rumble I think was the last generation feature; it's not the next-generation feature. I think motion sensitivity is. And we don't see the need to do that. Having said that, there will be specific game function controllers, potentially like steering wheels that do include vibration or feedback function — not from us but from third parties.

So not only are they not including rumble, they're going all out and saying that it's outdated? Pretty soon we're going to have to call gaffes like this "pulling a Sony." – Jason Chen

Phil Harrison: We Are Under No Pressure to Drop PS3's Price [Gamedaily via 1up]

Exclusive Video: Philips amBX Gaming Doohickey Shakes Rattles and Rolls

Brian Lam — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 11:33:57 EDT

Philips's gave us a tour of their amBX gaming system last night running on Far Cry. It's comprised of some LED driven lights that bathe your room in lights similar to on screen colors, fans that blast you with air when your avatar is sprinting or getting knocked around, rumble pads and a 2.1 audio system that's pretty loud. Here they've got got two kits daisy chained together for more...ambience.

Playing Far Cry in this particular setup reveals that you really do see flashes of white light before you die. –Brian Lam

Philips amBX [philips]