Hip Interactive signs licensing deal with Immersion

Videogame software and peripherals firm Hip Interactive has become the latest company to sign a licensing deal with California-based Immersion Corporation, creators of a range of touch feedback technologies.

The deal means that Hip will be integrating Immersion's patented technology into its range of Hip Gear peripherals, which includes controllers for all the major consoles as well as the PC.

The deal covers Immersion's "advanced vibro-tactile, spinning mass, gaming technologies" - a type of force feedback which the company has branded as TouchSense.

Immersion has been in the news recently for winning damages from Sony in a patent court case against the Japanese giant over the use of similar force feedback technology in the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 Dual Shock controllers. The company also has an injunction against Sony forbidding the sale of PlayStation consoles and games in North America, but this can't take effect until after an appeal is heard.

"Our leadership is based on delivering high-quality, value-priced video game accessories like the recently introduced XB-Comm 2.4 GHz wireless controller with headset featuring Bluetooth wireless technology that blends innovation and creativity," mused Hip Interactive president and CEO Arindra Singh. "Immersion's TouchSense technology is an important part of that leadership strategy."