On Tuesday during E3 2012, gaming peripheral maker Razer announced a partnership with Piranha Games and Infinite Game Publishing to create the Razer Artemis, a concept controller based on the upcoming PC game MechWarrior Online. The BattleMech-inspired joystick features fully-programmable, fine-tuned controls and an ergonomically adjustable design.
"The original MechWarrior PC game franchise was a formative milestone for my gaming growing up," said Robert 'RazerGuy' Krakoff, president of Razer USA. "When it was announced that a new MechWarrior Online was in the works, Razer was more than excited for the opportunity to collaborate with Piranha Games and Infinite Game Publishing. We’re going to bring our own take to a concept controller that will pave the way for a new generation of robot destruction."
The concept controller is a monster of a peripheral, containing three main sections: the "mechstick" (right), the integrated screen (center), and the keypad (left). The actual specs are unavailable as of this writing, but the adjustable "mechstick" features force feedback and plays host to several buttons -- including a D-pad.
"Inter-device communication allows you to expand the controls between the mechstick and the integrated keypad, or other Razer peripherals," the company said. "For example, you can hold a modifyer key on the keypad to temporarily change the function of the trigger on the mechstick. This gives you endless customizability of your controls."
Currently the gadget is on display at E3 2012, locked inside an acrylic casing. Given that it's a concept device, an actual release date and pricing is unknown at this point.
So far MechWarrior Online is slated for a 2012 release although the start of the closed beta test didn't begin until May 22. The game will exist in real time -- albeit in 3049 rather than 2012 -- where one day in the real world will equal to one day in the virtual world.
For more information about the concept controller, head here.
