The makers of the popular controller for fighting games have announced they’re launching a Hit Box licensing program. Effectively though, it also means they’re claiming some ownership over the entire genre of controller.
The world of fighting games has always had controversy when it comes to controllers. Compared to esports like shooters who stick to a couple of control methods, fighting game controllers can get weird. One of the types of controller some players really prefer is the box, a leverless controller that feels closer to the arcade experience. A lot of these devices are made by Hit Box, but the fight stick layout for a controller has been made by other manufacturers too.
This week, Hit Box announced they’re taking a new approach to these controllers. Rather than just supplying their own, they’ll be licensing out their designs. On the one hand, this means more opportunities for different companies to produce them, a positive given how useful the hitbox can be to some players. However, others are worried about what this means for other manufacturers. What’s going on with Hit Box licensing?
Source: @hitboxarcade
Hitbox has decided to begin offering licensing. They make a controller type of fight stick which is used In quite a few of the biggest fighting games. The new program will give other manufacturers the right to use their patented designs to produce a different range of controllers. It’ll even be divided into three different tiers, Red, Black, and Gold.
The main reaction to this news hasn’t been so positive though. Some fans believe this could lead to Hitbox taking action against any makers of similar controllers who don’t license their patent. Thinking the licensing program is them attempting to enforce a patent over what should be a more standardized design. Essentially reducing the number of boxes available and limiting development.
Hit Box has responded to those with these concerns, but they haven’t been clear. They’ve specified they’re focusing on those using the Hit Box licensing program so far.
Blocking the development of boxes from others would mean less competition in this area of fighting game esports. It isn’t clear how Hit Box plans to proceed with its current licensing system. Hopefully, it’ll still allow for a variety of different controllers to be made.
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