While video game companies like Microsoft are making headway in developing affordable game controllers like the Xbox Adaptive Controller, there is a lot of work to be done to ensure they are available to everyone who needs them.
enter the The Controller Project, a UK-based organization that is dedicated to modifying 3D print controllers for gamers with physical disabilities. In March, the founder Caleb Kraft make a Twitter call for volunteers with a 3D printer to print any mods on the site and send them to players in need.
when you sign up to volunteer, you will get a request from someone asking for a specific mod from the site that has no means of printing it. And if you can’t print it yourself, you can always donate money or old controllers to the mod.
Analysis: Game accessibility is an ongoing issue
Organizations such as The Controller Project and The AbleGamers Charity demonstrate the need for more avenues of accessibility in the gaming industry.
While Microsoft and Logitech have made commendable progress with affordable game controllers and game developers have worked to include accessibility options in their games, many other companies haven’t done enough or nothing.
People with disabilities deserve to be able to play their favorite games, and hopefully with projects like The Controller Project’s volunteer program, Microsoft’s initiatives (opens in new tab)and other options available, we will see more innovation and investment in this space.