Sony fined $90.7 million, ordered to stop selling hardware
A U.S. District judge fined Sony $90.7 million for copyright infringement of Immersion Corporation's "rumble" feature. Sony used this controller vibration technology unlawfully in its Dual Shock controllers for the PlayStation and PlayStation 2, and implemented it in several games. The court also ordered an injunction that would force Sony to stop selling PlayStation, PlayStation 2, both versions of the Dual Shock controllers and 47 games.
Sony appealed the injunction and was allowed to continue to sell its hardware and software during the appeals process as long as it pays Immersion licensing fees.
The Immersion lawsuit was initially brought to courts three years ago against both Sony and Microsoft. However, Microsoft settled with Immersion out of court for $26 million, taking a 10 percent stake in the company in the process.
"Halo 2" expansion on the way
Bungie announced Friday an expansion pack for its popular first-person shooter "Halo 2." The "Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack" will have nine new multiplayer maps. Four maps will be available late April for Xbox Live users - two free and two for $5.99. The final five maps will be available on June 28 for $11.99.
"Soul Calibur III" will be PS2 exclusive
Namco announced last week that the next installment in the popular fighting franchise "Soul Calibur" will only be released on the PlayStation 2. Also, the game will not feature an online mode as speculated. Namco said "Soul Calibur III" will feature improved gameplay and graphics, new fighters and arenas and three new modes, including a character creator. Unlike the previous installment, this version will not feature any guest characters. "Soul Calibur III" will be released this fall.
"Heroes of Might and Magic" resurrected
Ubisoft, the new owners of the "Might and Magic" franchises of now-defunct 3DO, announced last week the development of "Heroes of Might and Magic V," the fifth game in the well-known turn-based strategy fantasy series. Ubisoft in a press release said the game will feature "a variety of appealing factions, modern 3D graphics, a revolutionary tactical combat system and a story-based campaign mode."
The game is being developed by Nival Interactive, creators of various strategy-game series, including "Silent Storm," "Etherlords" and "Blitzkrieg"
