Why re-mappable controls are important (Dead Space 2 related)

[Hohum]

Came across a thread on another forum I frequent yesterday, which initially I thought was just another rant thread about a sequel not living up to expectations. Anyway, turns out this forum member (gareth170) was unhappy about not being able to remap certain controls in the PC version of Dead Space 2, as it meant he was unable to play the game as a result. I'll link you all to the thread, I recommend you read through it from the beginning if you have time.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18236540

Awe inspiring stuff, I honestly wouldn't have thought it possible. Have so much respect for the guy's determination. Oh, and it made Kotaku today by the looks of it.

http://kotaku.com/5751579/bet-you-couldnt-play-fallout-with-your-chin

I hope he gets a decent response from EA.

[averybluemonkey]

Inspirational guy that, thanks for linking to it.

[Golgo]

great link, thanks. cool guy, and the great thing about reading it thru is how people who thought it was a wind-up came round to try to find ways to help him. my mum's an avid gamer too but she's going blind so i'm desperate to find a way for her to continue her hobby of 30+ yrs...

[Hohum]

Well this has really taken off over the weekend, various sites have now covered this today - here's a couple more:

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-02-07-20-000-support-disabled-gamers-plight

http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/02/07/disabled-gamer-launches-petition-to-enable-button-mapping-in-dead-space-2/

Various community members have also taken it upon themselves to contact people within the gaming press/industry, so hopefully the topic gets the coverage it deserves. I'm surprised there hasn't been much of a response in this thread actually, considering the number of views.

@Golgo: Sorry to hear that, is it not treatable/preventable in any way? There's someone who commented on the Eurogamer article who appears to be in the same situation (jjolley, comment #38). Not sure how he manages to get around it though...

[Ouenben]

I never got why all games can't just have a 'custom' controls option for people to put exactly what they want. If someone wants to use X to shoot and the dpad to move. There should be the option!
It won't concern the majority of buyers as they will just use the default controls anyway.

[k0pp0]

Fair play to the lad - don't think EA will be able to ignore this for too long.

[neoboy259]

Great story, that gets even better. A member of the Dead Space team responds and offers to work something out with the poster. Who says forums aren't productive??

[Kit]

Very inspirational guy and it?s heart-warming to see how quickly the gaming community came together to highlight this. It?s a win, win for everyone as well in the long run.

[Hohum]

I'm pleased to see he got a response from one of the devs, but I can't help but feel they're trying to palm him off with free stuff instead of addressing the issue.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=18416119&postcount=815

The irony being that he still wouldn't be able to play the game if they sent him another mouse, because the game still won't let him bind move forwards to a mouse button. Doesn't help his situation, and doesn't help other gamers needing re-mappable controls either. Really disappointing, I hope they try harder than this.

[Flabio]

I never got why all games can't just have a 'custom' controls option for people to put exactly what they want.

Takes an absolute *age* to put together, especially on the PC where there's something like 200 different keyboard layouts and mouse types to worry about.

Not much of an excuse I know, but time eats money tends to win most gamedev arguments.

[Dirty Sanchez]

I found it ironic how the guy is wanting to play Dead Space, where the prime mechanic is to cut the limbs off the bad guys.

[C']

Been following this story since you posted it and was in genuine awe watching the videos of Gareth play. Truly amazing scenes!

And it looks like his voice was heard as Visceral appear to have confirmed that a PC patch (including customisable controls) is being worked on.

http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/visceral-games-hears-disabled-gamer-adding-customizable-control/

Dead Space 2 PC Players,

The Dead Space 2 team is aware of the issue that disabled players are having with Dead Space 2 PC. In fact a number of folks on our team are so passionate about getting this fix done that they are currently working hard to allow players to re-map key bindings to the mouse which should help disabled players enjoy the game.

I'd like to say I'm very proud of the people on the Dead Space 2 team for coming in today and jumping on the fix first thing. Working with such a talented and compassionate group of people is incredible and makes me proud to be a part of the Dead Space 2 team, Visceral Games, and Electronic Arts.

In addition to the key binding fix the patch will include other fixes for PC players. Thank you for taking up the cause for our disabled players and letting us know about this problem. Once the patch is fully tested we will announce a release date.

They deserve credit for responding to this in the best manner possible and dedicated themselves to resolving the issue for everyone who needs it. And even more props to Gareth for his dedication to the hobby which many people would have thought was impossible to someone with his condition and bringing this issue to public conciousness.

I imagine a lot of developers will have taken notice of this which can only be good for future games.

[huxley]

Its so nice when people come together to sort a problem.
Bet this games story doesnt make the daily mail.

[Family Fry]

Kudos to Visceral they really are a dedicated bunch and extremely fan friendly, which will only do them good and teach more companies to be a little more open with the community.

[Family Fry]

Irony is this is actually quite a news worthy piece, far too positive for Daily Mail though.