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Gaming hardware assistive technology

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You're now familiar with some of the common software-based assistive technologies (AT) used by players. AT also includes hardware and physical devices.

In this unit, learn about some common hardware AT devices used for gaming access. This unit also offers you important insights to consider when you develop game experiences that support players who use these devices.

What are the common types of hardware assistive technologies used in gaming?

Many hardware AT devices might be referred to as "adaptive" input devices or "adaptive controllers." In general, these devices provide an accessible alternative for players who have difficulty using standard input devices like commercial controllers, a mouse, and a keyboard.

In the following video, learn about some common AT devices like the Xbox Adaptive Controller, switch buttons, and mouth-operated joysticks.

Hardware considerations for accessible game development

A primary challenge that AT users encounter is a lack of compatibility between their device and the game platform or game title they want to use the device with. The methods of activation players use with these devices can vary from the traditional input methods that games are typically optimized for. Consider the following information when you develop games and platforms that support players who use these devices.

Device compatibility

Many of the hardware devices discussed in this unit differ in the type of "output" they use. For example, eye-gaze devices, despite looking nothing like a mouse, are generally "seen" via software as a mouse by the game or platform when plugged in to a host or platform device. Game titles that don't support mouse input actively exclude players who require eye-gaze devices to play.

In general, the scope of other AT devices can include:

• Switch interfaces seen as keyboard input.
• Mouth-based joysticks seen as mouse input.
• The Xbox Adaptive Controller seen as a game pad or controller input.

Regardless of a player's specific AT device of choice, you can support these players by ensuring the games and platforms you create allow an array of input types including controller, mouse, and keyboard input.

Challenging game mechanics

In addition to supporting diverse input types, it's also important to consider the activation methods that players use for these devices. Many game mechanics assume that players can use rapid finger movements on their keyboard or standard controller. Players who use large switch buttons activated by their head or knee might be unable to activate these controls with the same speed or precision as a finger.

The following video provides an overview of these types of considerations:

Check your knowledge

1.

Which of the following best describes the use of switch buttons for gaming access?

Buttons that players use to switch between first- and third-person camera views.

Buttons that are the same size as the buttons on traditional game input devices but can be mounted anywhere.

Buttons that are used by players who typically can't access a standard keyboard or controller.

2.

Which of the following statements does not describe why it's important for developers to become familiar with the hardware-based assistive technologies players use?

To ensure that players using assistive devices can participate in all aspects of the game, regardless of the body parts or movements they use to activate their controls.

To ensure the games and platforms they create support a multitude of different input types (controller, mouse, and keyboard) that assistive technologies are seen as.

To ensure that multiplayer servers distinctly call out players who are using assistive devices to other players on the server for visibility.

You must answer all questions before checking your work.

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