Summary
- A Sony patent describes a haptic feedback hand strap to assist game developers in utilizing the PlayStation 5 controller.
- The device allows developers to experience haptic feedback vibrations without needing to pick up a controller for testing.
- Sony remains focused on haptic feedback technology.
According to a newly published patent by Sony, the Japanese technology giant is developing a hand device that would assist game developers in utilizing the PlayStation 5 controller's haptic feedback abilities. Sony has registered a number of software and hardware patents in recent months, giving audiences a look into the research and development efforts that could shape the future of gaming.
The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller and its haptic feedback functions have been receiving attention recently, with the release of Astro Bot and other titles focusing heavily on implementing these unique device features. As more game developers seek to find ways to utilize haptic feedback in their titles, Sony is working to make it easier for studios and their teams to take advantage of these immersive features.
Sony Wants to Make VR More Accessible for Deaf Gamers
A recent patent publication by Sony reveals the Japanese company's development of a virtual reality accessibility feature for deaf gamers.
A patent published on October 3 reveals a unique haptic feedback hand strap that Sony is developing. The small device slides onto the hand or wrist and allows the user to experience haptic feedback vibrations while having full use of their hand and fingers. Currently, haptic feedback testing requires holding a controller, which then forces developers to pause and swap back and forth repeatedly from their keyboard and mouse to a controller. With this hand strap device, developers would be able to test haptic feedback settings without needing to pick up a controller, allowing for quicker adjustments to be made. By making it easier to test and add haptic feedback in video games, Sony could potentially see an increase in developers focusing on using these features.
Sony Haptic Feedback Hand Strap For Game Developers
Looking at Figure 1 of the Sony haptic feedback hand strap patent, audiences can see how a game developer would utilize this device while adjusting controller settings for a game. The small strap would be worn on the hands and would output haptic feedback which could be adjusted on the fly. This would allow the developer to make incremental changes to achieve the desired output settings without ever having to stop and pick up a controller. Whether developers would take advantage of this device cannot be confirmed, and Sony has yet to make any official announcements regarding the possible distribution of this helpful developer tool. However, the hand strap device and other Sony technology patents do seem to indicate the company is focusing heavily on haptic feedback.
The haptic feedback features of the PS5 controller have been well received by critics and audiences alike, though many have lamented the lack of games that take full advantage of these immersive capabilities. Perhaps seeking to encourage more developers to implement the tech in their games, Sony could make it much easier to test and utilize these features with the haptic feedback hand strap. As it stands, there is no guarantee that Sony will ever fully develop and release the device, so it remains to be seen if haptic feedback will be more widely adopted by studios.
- Date Founded
- May 7, 1946
- Headquarters
- Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
- Subsidiaries
- Sony Pictures, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Imagesoft, Sony Online Entertainment
- Consoles
- PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PSP
- Known For
- PlayStation