NaturalPoint Anti-Competitive Behaviour
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>Use a tightly controlled proprietary interface, available under 'legally binding agreements', with the clear intention to create an industry standard for 6dof view control in games and monopolize it.
>Requested removal of TrackIR interface keys from ********* that are necessary for the interface to work on grounds of copyright infringement.
>Have made defamatory and unsubstantiated claims that ********* is 'illegal pirate software.'
>Have argued that *********'s compatibility with the TrackIR interface is unfair and puts them under undue hardship. Paradoxically they admit they have never payed or received payment for TrackIR support in games and the burden of implementation is entirely on the game developer.
>Censor their forums of all mention of software unofficially compatible with the TrackIR interface.
>Requested online forums censor discussion of ********* on grounds of being illegal. This went largely ignored by most forums but was temporarily successful with LFS and RCS forums, Ubisoft forums are still censoring.
>Tried to patent optical head tracking in games, ignoring significant prior art, with a total of 6 patent applications filed between 2006 and 2009.
>Some patent applications filed after ********* became available specifically target its functionality.
>Made misleading claims that TrackIR uses 'patented math.'
>Created a modified TrackIR interface, with an encrypted data stream.
>New games using encrypted TrackIR data stream incompatible with standard unencrypted interface used by TrackIR 1 & 2 cameras and third party software including *********, GlovePIE, NewView and others.
>Official explanation for change later revealed to be prevention of 'concurrent access to the TrackIR data for multiple games at a time.'
>Have never openly admitted to encrypting the TrackIR data stream.
>Encrypted interface only provided to developers making high profile AAA game titles, effectively monopolizing the most popular games while also minimizing the risk of interface details being leaked.
>Later boasted TrackIR had better game compatibility than alternatives.
>Admit that they are in a unique position, with many developer contacts and significant influence.
>Have been known to put pressure on game developers to make 6dof view control exclusive to TrackIR, preventing third party 6dof interfaces from being supported or made available.
>Forced removal of TrackIR camera support from Free Track.
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