Despite facing a motor disability, individuals can still enjoy video games with ease, thanks to adapted controllers and innovative tools that offer a customizable gaming experience using various parts of the body or even just the eyes. Here are some tools to help you dive into the world of gaming.
Controllers for consoles
Xbox Adaptative Controller - May2018
Designed specifically to meet the needs of gamers with motor disabilities, the Xbox Adaptive Controller represents a revolution in the video game industry. Launched by Microsoft in 2018, this controller is proof of the brand's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The controller was designed and developed with input and testing from the relevant community, including The AbleGamers Charity, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation, SpecialEffect, Warfighter Engaged.
Thanks to its slim design, making it convenient to carry around or place on a shelf, and its ability to connect to a variety of external devices such as switches, buttons, mounts and joysticks, the Xbox Adaptive Controller allows users to create a customized setup to suit their specific needs. The price for the Xbox Adaptive Controller falls around 90 euros, not including additional peripherals.
Flex Controller for Nintendo Switch - 2020
Despite Nintendo's historical lag in accessibility, the Flex Controller, crafted by HORI in 2020, was a collaborative effort with disabled gamers and occupational therapists. The controller stands out for its flexibility: for example, users have the flexibility to assign multiple commands to a single button by adjusting the length of their presses. Additionally, the controller offers the option to integrate eye tracker technology for enhanced gaming experience.
Setting up the Flex Controller can be a bit intricate: it requires the use of third-party software for configuring settings. Additionally, a computer is crucial for achieving precise and truly tailored configurations. Moreover, it's worth noting that the Flex Controller may not be compatible with all Nintendo consoles, such as the Switch Lite.
The steep price tag of 190 € for the controller alone may pose a financial barrier for some gamers, contradicting its core mission of promoting inclusivity.
Access Controller for PlayStation - December 2023
The most recent adaptive controller, unveiled in late 2023, showcases a cutting-edge ergonomic design without introducing any groundbreaking features. Sony presents a controller boasting programmable buttons, adjustable joysticks, and an array of modular accessories, offering a diverse spectrum of customization possibilities. While modules are swappable, some elements like analog triggers are notably absent, and each Access Controller only features a single stick. Incorporating tactile feedback and motion recognition technologies that can be tailored or switched off based on player preferences, this controller also impresses with its thoughtful packaging designed with accessibility at the forefront.
Users have the flexibility to configure up to 30 profiles, with 3 directly accessible on the controller, allowing for tailored settings for each game. While some players have raised concerns about its accessibility, it's crucial to consider the unique requirements of individual disabilities. Priced at €90, the Access Controller offers a customizable gaming experience.
...And others
Other innovative controllers and accessories have also been created, with some developed by experts in the medical-social field like the Handi Joystick, which is compatible with all consoles. Enthusiasts have also contributed to finding solutions, such as the Handigamer project through HitClic.
Software and technologies
Eye tracker
The eye tracker is a cutting-edge technology that is specifically crafted to monitor and capture eye movements and the direction of one's gaze. The technology uses sophisticated sensors and cameras to detect precisely where and how the eyes move, enabling analysis of visual attention and reactions to visual stimuli. Eye trackers are useful for video games, as in the Tobii eye tracker. It is employed in accessibility settings to empower individuals with physical constraints to effortlessly operate computers and other devices using only their gaze, providing independence.
Who needs a controller when you can dive into the game using just your facial expressions? This is the exciting French project proposed by PlayAbility, turning your facial gestures into a gaming control interface, complete with custom mapping tailored to your unique facial expressions.
Button remapping
Button remapping is a feature that lets you customize the configuration of controls on a keyboard, joystick or other control device. This practice gives users the flexibility to change the assignment of keys or buttons to better suit their preferences, gaming style or specific needs, particularly in terms of accessibility. Furthermore, this feature enhances both the comfort and effectiveness of gameplay by tailoring the interface to suit the needs of individual players and the requirements of each specific game.
Voice control
Voice control in video games opens up new possibilities in terms of accessibility for players with motor disabilities. This innovation enables game control through voice commands, providing a crucial alternative when conventional joystick or keyboard usage becomes challenging or unattainable.With voice control, players can effortlessly navigate their in-game surroundings, interact with the environment, and perform specific actions simply by using verbal commands. This opens up new possibilities for gamers of all mobility levels to enjoy the game without the limitations of manual commands, effectively breaking down physical barriers.
Examples include Skyrim, with over 200 voice commands (on Xbox 360 with Kinect), or There Came an Echo, a strategic game in which you command a team solely by voice.
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