There are many ways to enjoy video games without sacrificing accessibility. You can use a controller or keyboard and mouse, or use voice commands to control your character. You can also play with friends using online multiplayer modes, or take on the challenges of singleplayer games with co-operative play. Whatever your preference, there’s a game for you that doesn’t require perfect vision or mobility. ..
There are various ways for gamers with disabilities to help bridge the gap and get back in the game. Every person’s disability is unique, but by combining several approaches, you can craft a unique solution for each situation.
Adaptive Gamepads
The problem with gamepads is that they’re not just for playing games. They can also be used for other activities, such as controlling a home theater system or using them as a control surface for a wheelchair.
adaptive gamepad: The good news is that you can create your own custom gamepad solution using an adaptive gamepad. The only commercial option at the time of writing is the Microsoft adaptive Xbox One controller. It’s essentially a hub that can connect to a vast variety of devices that stand in for every button, trigger and control found on a standard Xbox controller.
There are many setups to find on the internet, which allows players with missing limbs and limited mobility to use every part of their body as a potential input source. Best of all, it’s compatible with any Xbox One game and, by extension, any Windows game that supports the standard controller!
Alternative Input Options
There are many ways to control video games using your body, and the Xbox controller is just one example. There are controllers that use traditional buttons and sticks, as well as those that use motion sensors or other input devices. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination. ..
In a first-person shooter, using a keyboard and mouse would be difficult because you don’t have the use of one of your hands. To play the game with a keyboard and mouse, you would need to use foot pedals to take over WASD functionality.
It’s like learning to drive. After a while, your custom control scheme will become second nature. There are people out there who have beaten Dark Souls with a Dance Revolution mat. Circle-strafing with foot pedals is nothing in comparison.
There are a lot of ways to control your body, and there are a lot of control systems designed to be used with specific body parts. The best way to find one that works well for you is to focus on the parts of the body that still work well and look for any control system designed to be operated by that body part. There’s even a Kickstarter campaign for what’s basically a butt controller.
Accessibility Settings
Many developers are starting to realize that they need to take disabled gamers into account when creating their titles. For example, many games now come with a setting for color-blind users. It may also be possible to modify the user interface of a game by, for example, altering text sizes or the position of UI elements.
Most games have a difficulty slider that can be used to adjust how difficult the game is for people with different abilities. This can be helpful for those who are new to the game or who have limited experience.
Setting the game to a lower difficulty can be a way to adapt the game for players with limited reaction times or mobility. There’s no such thing as a “correct” difficulty setting. Simply a level that’s fun, but challenging – as opposed to frustrating and unpleasant.
Many games provide settings that can be adapted to make gameplay easier for people with disabilities. For example, control sensitivity and custom button mapping can be used to make the game more accessible. Try to look at the settings provided within a particular game from an accessibility viewpoint and you may find some can be reimagined to help ease gameplay in many different ways. ..
3D Printing & Community Mods
Adaptive gamepads are great, but there’s always been a tradition of modders modifying existing equipment to make it accessible for disabled players. ..
There are many ways to customize a controller, and the options are only going to increase as technology advances. Whether you’re looking to remap buttons or add new features, there’s a guide for you on YouTube or a 3D printing site. ..
There are many modding forums where users can ask for help with problems that they are encountering. There is always someone who is knowledgeable and able to solve the challenges of a unique individual. The first step is admitting that there is a problem. ..
This simple 3D-printed Switch controller mod allows players to operate the console using just one hand. The creator wanted to help a friend, but ended up helping everyone who only has the use of one hand and would love to play something like Breath of the Wild.
Smart Game Selection
Some gamers with disabilities might have to explore game genres that better suit their personal circumstances. For example, turn-based RPGs can have fantastic stories, great graphics and deep gameplay. ..
They don’t rely on twitch reflexes to be playable. If you have trouble reading text because of a condition such as dyslexia, avoiding text-heavy RPGs might be a better option.
There are many different types of games out there, and each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. So it’s important to find the ones that will provide you with the most entertainment and fun, while also minimizing the amount of frustration you experience.
All Are Welcome
Gaming should not be a hobby reserved for the able-bodied alone. There are always options for gamers who have unique challenges most of us don’t have to live with. Once you believe a solution is out there, chances are you’ll find it. ..
