Sony Computer Entertainment and Connectix this week announced a
joint technology agreement ending a two year legal dispute over a
product that emulates Sony PlayStation games on PCs and Apple Macs.
The companies have agreed to jointly develop emulator software to
run PlayStation games on other platforms.
In 1999, Sony sued Connectix for copyright and patent
infringement. Sony argued that because its emulator allowed
PlayStation games to be played on PCs, it was harmful to game
publishers, developers, creators and ultimately consumers.
As part of the agreement the two companies have resolved all
legal issues pertaining to Connectix Virtual Game Station (CVGS).
Sony Computer Entertainment will acquire from Connectix all assets
related to the VGS emulation technology. Connectix will continue to
offer the current version of both CVGS for Macintosh and Windows
until June 30, 2001. Connectix will provide continuing support to
existing users. All further emulation development for the
PlayStation game console will proceed under the auspices of the
joint agreement.
