Disability and gamers
So in another thread about controls there was some discussion of difficulty of keyboard controls for some physically disabled, which led to some (very, very brief) discussion of different kinds of controls in that context.
That thread has more than enough going on from all sides and isn't about disability with gaming specifically, so I thought to make this new one on the topic. Are you physically disabled in some way, and if so does it affect your gaming? Was that part of what led you to the adventure game genre, with its lovely and common (but not ALWAYS there!) point-and-click scheme?
And since there are several people involved in game production here, from TTG and other places, I'm curious: in designing schemes and testing the games, is a scheme that appeals/is workable for those who can't necessarily move in all ways something you keep in mind? Obviously, it's a hard topic, as not everyone has the same issues, but I was wondering if, for example, you considered a one-handed control system over a two-handed one? As said, it won't work for everyone, but that's the sort of adjustment I can see that opens it up to a fair amount of people who otherwise couldn't play while still being enjoyable/a good scheme for those who could use a keyboard or controller? (And, in advance, because disclaimers can be your friend: I'm not saying at all that TTG is REQUIRED to do this, nor is any other developer. I'm just curious if it's something that's considered or not, and if it's not if it's something that's feasible. I'm not a game designer, and while I'm aware that some games need different control systems than others, I'm well-aware that's about all I know, so I don't want to say it's automatically EASY to make a system for one-handed use no matter what.
Just curious. )
I'm a little afraid of stirring up a hornets' nest by mentioning controls, but I'm honestly curious as to how many other people might find it an issue--and also if there are any things people have found as work-arounds to let them play on a controller they might otherwise not be able to handle.
In my case, I have a body-wide issue, but my fingers are more sensitive, more likely to end up pained, and more difficult to move/clumsy than my arm; a mouse controlled system is the easiest for me, especially a touchpad, and a keyboard controlled system can be the most difficult. It does depend on the layout, of course. With controllers, things like adjusting them with additional padding can help, or making it easier for me to grip by wrapping them in something less-slick than very smooth plastic.
So--if you have a way to adapt for being able to play, how do you?
That thread has more than enough going on from all sides and isn't about disability with gaming specifically, so I thought to make this new one on the topic. Are you physically disabled in some way, and if so does it affect your gaming? Was that part of what led you to the adventure game genre, with its lovely and common (but not ALWAYS there!) point-and-click scheme?
And since there are several people involved in game production here, from TTG and other places, I'm curious: in designing schemes and testing the games, is a scheme that appeals/is workable for those who can't necessarily move in all ways something you keep in mind? Obviously, it's a hard topic, as not everyone has the same issues, but I was wondering if, for example, you considered a one-handed control system over a two-handed one? As said, it won't work for everyone, but that's the sort of adjustment I can see that opens it up to a fair amount of people who otherwise couldn't play while still being enjoyable/a good scheme for those who could use a keyboard or controller? (And, in advance, because disclaimers can be your friend: I'm not saying at all that TTG is REQUIRED to do this, nor is any other developer. I'm just curious if it's something that's considered or not, and if it's not if it's something that's feasible. I'm not a game designer, and while I'm aware that some games need different control systems than others, I'm well-aware that's about all I know, so I don't want to say it's automatically EASY to make a system for one-handed use no matter what.
Just curious. )I'm a little afraid of stirring up a hornets' nest by mentioning controls, but I'm honestly curious as to how many other people might find it an issue--and also if there are any things people have found as work-arounds to let them play on a controller they might otherwise not be able to handle.
In my case, I have a body-wide issue, but my fingers are more sensitive, more likely to end up pained, and more difficult to move/clumsy than my arm; a mouse controlled system is the easiest for me, especially a touchpad, and a keyboard controlled system can be the most difficult. It does depend on the layout, of course. With controllers, things like adjusting them with additional padding can help, or making it easier for me to grip by wrapping them in something less-slick than very smooth plastic.
So--if you have a way to adapt for being able to play, how do you?
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It's not a perfect way, though, as my wrist gets very tired, very quickly. But being tired in one wrist is sort of better than being very tired in several fingers
The reason I use an Amiga joystick is that it's very loose, it's an old and cheap stick.
So it's better than nothing, but still far from ideal.
It really sucks so much, I've been playing games since I was 7, back on my good ol' C64. The fact that I can't play most games is the biggest reason for my constant depression the last 5 years or so. I just can't get over it.
He's pretty good about using the XBOX 360 controller and the PS3 controller, but he plays alot of computer games because he can remap the controls. Turns out that MMOs seem to work out really well for him too.
How would FULL BODY TRACKING be good for the disabled? The thing is supposed to register your arm and leg movements. If your arm and leg movement is impaired, it'd be like playing games with a broken left analog stick. You might be able to get some things to work, but the hit/miss ratio will heavily favor "miss".
Ok, I guess I didnt think that through, but those who are partially disabled aka their hands would have that work. What your thinking though, yeah Ive got nothing, that is until they make mind control games.
mmorpgs i can play fine though including age of conan with its quicker more real time battle system (but again im not too good at the pvp but pve is fine) i was a veteran at final fantasy xi for several years and got really good at that, and grand theft auto games etc i have no problems with (but again i kinda suck at multiplayer!)
i am able bodied but also wondered how many people out there play video games who are physically disabled, i am guessing lots as just because someone is not able bodied does not mean they cannot enjoy video games so actually thinking about mouse only control for point & click adventures now i understand how important it is for developers to included both control schemes, i.e maybe a kb/mouse option and an option just solely for mouse play!