Sony Computer Entertainment has decided it's better to work with Connectix, a developer of software that helps PlayStation games run on PCs, than to fight the company.
Published:
16 March 2001 y., Friday
The companies announced Thursday a joint technology agreement under which they will work together on advanced "emulation" products that will allow PlayStation software to run on other systems. In addition, all legal issues surrounding San Mateo, Calif.-based Connectix's Virtual Game Station software have been resolved.
Sony filed a copyright and patent infringement suit against Connectix in early 1999. Sony argued that because Virtual Game Station allowed PlayStation games to be played on PCs, it was harmful to game publishers, developers, creators and ultimately consumers.
Sony makes a majority of its PlayStation-related revenue from licensing and royalty fees for PlayStation software; the actual consoles are sold at a loss. The same is true of other game manufacturers. But sales of peripherals such as controllers and memory cards help make up a significant revenue stream, and that may be part of the reason Sony has been so adamant about the suit against Connectix according to Gartner analyst P.J. McNealy.
Under the agreement, Sony will acquire Connectix assets related to Virtual Game Station, but Connectix will continue to sell the software for Macintosh and Windows until the end of June. The companies will continue to develop emulation technology.
Competition in the gaming industry is expected to get fierce this year as new consoles from Microsoft and Nintendo are released. However, Sony's PlayStation 2 will have a considerable head start. The consumer electronics giant said it expects to sell 3 million units in the United States by the end of the year and 9 million worldwide.
Šaltinis:
CNET News.com
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.
The most popular articles
Thursday morning MEPs debated a report from the European Court of Auditors on EU expenditure in 2007.
more »
Wander along any supermarket aisle and you'll see a number of two-for-one offers. It's not something we're used to seeing at our local car showroom.
more »
The leaders of the so-called Big Three of the U.S. auto industry were on the hot seat on Capitol Hill.
more »
HP today announced preliminary results for the fourth fiscal quarter 2008 with revenue of $33.6 billion, a year-over-year increase of 19% or 16% when adjusted for the effects of currency.
more »
When the EU expanded in 2004, some of the 15 existing EU countries were worried they would be flooded by workers from eastern and central Europe.
more »
Monday MEPs discussed ways to narrow the gender pay gap that still exists in Europe, despite 30 years of legislation.
more »
The financial crisis has become a major threat to the economies, jobs and lives of millions worldwide.
more »
Fisheries in the EU are regulated to protect stocks from overfishing and prevent damage to marine ecosystems.
more »
Energy prices in the EU have risen by an average of 15% in the last year and Europeans wonder whether speculators are driving up oil prices.
more »
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson offered an update on the government's financial rescue efforts.
more »