Video game products maker Razer, which counts dual headquarters in Irvine and Singapore, is ramping up its touch-technology products.
This month Razer acquired French company Interhaptics, also known as Go Touch VR SAS, which specializes in touch-related technologies for PC, console, mobile and extended reality developers. Financial details were not released.
The acquisition of Lille-based Interhaptics will allow Razer to build the “haptics ecosystem” together with game studios across multiple platforms, the company said on July 1.
Haptics refers to technology that uses touch sensors to control and interact with computers via vibrations, motion or force. Haptic technology is used mainly in creating and manuevering virtual objects, or as an improved method to use remote control machines and devices.
In gaming, haptics creates an additional sensory experience that allows for increased immersion.
Razer in 2018 introduced its proprietary HyperSense technology, demonstrating how high-fidelity haptics can deliver a deeper immersive experience for gaming, music and more. Its acquisition of Interhaptics will aid Razer’s HyperSense expansion across more products, officials say.
Independent Entity
Interhaptics founder and CEO Eric Vezzoli will join Razer as associate director of haptics, according to a statement announcing the acquisition.
“Haptics has tremendous value for gamers,” Vezzoli said.
The French software company, founded in 2017, provides developers with gaming design tools for platforms including virtual and augmented reality, mobile phones and consoles. It will remain an independent entity under the Razer umbrella.
“The opportunity to join Razer was a no-brainer for us, as they are committed to delivering the most engaging gaming experience, and we are looking forward to doing it together as part of the Razer family,” Vezzoli added.
Alvin Cheung, senior VP of Razer’s hardware business, said “Interhaptics brings leading expertise in haptics and their development platform will be leveraged to expand the HyperSense ecosystem.”
The triple-headed green snake trademark of Razer is among the more recognized logos in the gaming and esports communities. The company counts a global fan base for its gamer-focused ecosystem of hardware, software and services.
Gaming Laptops
Razer has about 125 employees and is growing its Irvine office, which is at 9 Pasteur, near video game giant Blizzard Entertainment.
Razer’s software platform, with over 175 million users, includes Razer Synapse, an Internet of Things platform; Razer Chroma RGB, a proprietary RGB lighting technology system supporting thousands of devices and hundreds of games/apps; and Razer Cortex, a game optimizer and launcher.
Razer also offers payment services for gamers as part of its Razer Gold brand, one of the world’s largest game payment services, while Razer Fintech provides fintech services in emerging markets.
Founded in 2005, Razer has regional headquarters in Hamburg and Shanghai with 19 offices worldwide. It’s listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 1337).
The local Irvine office is headed by Bob Ohlweiler, senior vice president of global sales and marketing.
