Physical Gaming - Anything Can Be A Controller

At this point in the history of video game creation, developers and engineers have mastered the basic formula for input. Most controllers now feature one or more joysticks, a direction pad, and a number of buttons. As successful as this model is, it greatly limits interactivity between player and game. Developers are forced to utilize this input or require extra equipment, which deters them from creating their own controllers because of added cost and production and inherently limits the possibility of a richer player experience. It’s time to re-evaluate the benefits of adding a custom controller to your own game. 

Custom controllers open the opportunity for a more immersive game experience. Using a custom built IoT example, this talk will examine games that deviate from using standard input. In addition to discussing where to source materials, we will explore how players’ game interactions can change how we perceive the game as a whole. The audience will walk away with a deeper understanding of the importance of interactivity in game design.