ForgeSense raises $80M to commercialize tactile feedback controllers for cloud gaming

Gaming · 4 min read

ForgeSense announced an $80 million Series C led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2 to scale manufacturing of ForgePad, a next-generation controller that delivers localized tactile feedback and programmable surface textures. The device targets cloud gaming platforms looking to differentiate on immersion and accessibility.

ForgePad uses an array of micro-actuators beneath a flexible surface to simulate textures, tension, and directional cues. It connects via Bluetooth Low Energy and USB-C and includes an SDK that game studios can use to map tactile events to in-game interactions and UI cues.

The company plans to work with cloud gaming providers and console-adjacent platforms for early pilot integrations. ForgeSense says the funding will be used to increase supply chain capacity, expand R&D into wearable haptics, and establish partnerships with middleware providers.

Game developers say haptics remain an underused channel for player feedback, and programmable surfaces like ForgePad could enable new accessibility features. Success will depend on ease of integration, cost, and whether large game publishers adopt the SDK broadly.