Los Angeles, California, May 16, 1996 -- ThrustMaster, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMSR) and Cybernet Systems Corporation today announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo their intention to co-develop force feedback game control products for the computer entertainment market. The first product, scheduled to be introduced in October 1996, will be a cutting-edge force feedback driving wheel. The innovative technology built into this next-generation driving wheel will simulate the feel of the road with startling realism. This relationship with Cybernet will enable ThrustMaster to enhance its leadership position as a manufacturer of the most innovative input control devices for PC-based entertainment.
Cybernet, founded in 1988, is an industry leader in force feedback hardware and software solutions providing a wide variety of product applications in the fields of virtual reality, medicine, arcade, and robotics. Cybernet has recently been awarded strategic patents in next-generation force feedback technology.
ThrustMaster’s Formula T2 driving control system has already captured the market place due to its quality, durability, and realistic experience, said Stephen Aanderud, ThrustMaster President and CEO. Our mission is to continue as the technology leader in entertainment based input devices. With Cybernet, we have set in place a definitive plan to maintain this status not only in the driving wheel category, but with other force feedback input devices as well.
Chuck Jacobus, founder of Cybernet, states: We wanted to partner with a company who shares our future vision. We are pleased that ThrustMaster also shares with us a common direction for bringing the future vision of gaming realism to PC entertainment software products.
ThrustMaster will be working closely with software developers and publishers to enable the force feedback driving wheel to simulate authentic forces such as skids, collisions, terrain, and other driving conditions within the exciting new driving software titles expected to ship this holiday season.
ThrustMaster, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and markets input devices that take users of computer entertainment software to new heights bringing realism and true functionality to their gaming experience.
CONTACT: Kent Koski, Chief Financial Officer, ThrustMaster; or Laura Rawlins of ThrustMaster, 503-639-3200