Valve has enjoyed quite a bit of success over its Steam Deck release, and it seems that success has partially led to the company facing a lawsuit over the use of rumble technology in the handheld gaming PC.
As reported by The Verge, Valve is being sued by Immersion Corp, who claims Valve is infringing on some of its patents on haptics technology. The lawsuit claims that Valve is infringing on Immersion’s patents with multiple pieces of hardware and software. Including the Steam Deck, the Valve Index VR headset, the Steam VR software, and Half-Life: Alyx.
The lawsuit also mentions a wide range of other game titles. Such as Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Call of Duty: Black Ops III, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, War Thunder and others.
The Steam Deck rumble lawsuit revolves around seven patents
According to the lawsuit, Valve is using the technology outlined in seven different patents in the touchscreen for the Steam Deck as well as the Valve Index headset.
The lawsuit mentions several different technologies including tactile sensations and vibrotactile feedback, among others. Immersion says that it’s “pleased Valve recognizes the value of haptics.” Immersion also states that it’s important for the company to protect its intellectual property. And that it needs to preserve the investments it made into the technology.
To that end, Immersion hopes this lawsuit will remedy Valve’s alleged infringements. And is seeking “appropriate damages, injunctive relief, pre-judgement and post-judgement interest, and ongoing royalties.”
Worth noting is that Valve is just the latest company Immersion has sued for infringement on its haptics technologies. Having had lawsuits against Sony, Microsoft, Fitbit, Google, Apple, and Motorola. All of which who settled. So it’s not unlikely that Valve may choose to settle as well. Though it’s still unclear how Valve will choose to play this out.