Accessing Creed

For some gamers (or potential gamers) using a standard PS3 or XBOX 360 controller is difficult or even impossible. A lack of fine motors skills, the inability to hold a gamepad or the loss of the use of one or both upper limbs can all be reasons why people can't access console games using a standard controller.

There are, however, various options available to get people playing again following an accident (or perhaps even for the first time) using technology which aims to make the inaccessible, accessible. Below is an introduction to a few of them:

One handed controllers, such as the the one above (a replica of the now out of production Dragonplus RPG DuoCon 2 controller by Consoles and Gadgets) offer various configurations of buttons and joysticks which optimise the use of either the left or right hand.  

Enlarged controllers such as the QuasiCON arcade style controllers, allow those without the fine motor skills to interact with a regular gamepad to either choose an existing product from their range or work with them to design there own customised layout to suit their own particular abilities. Options such as joystick extensions can give a larger surface area to grip as well as increasing the sensitivity.

For those who use switches to access computers, the same input method can be applied to consoles using options such as a C-SID or PS3-SAP interface. These allow the user to replicate each button on a standard controller with a switch, controlling the switches with the body movement available to that individual. When teamed with the right game, players can take full control using just a couple of switches or play co-op style by splitting the controls between friends.

By matching users to the right technology or even creating individual solutions, people with disabilties can gain access to games they may have found previously unplayable due to their condition and enjoy the freedom, fun and competition video games should offer us all. Game On for EVERYONE! 

SpecialEffect aims to share the information on these devices with as many people as possible as well as give access to trying the products through their website and various projects. For more information visit http://www.gamebase.info/