Topic: Game developers: Include custom button configurations in all games.

I think I'm like allot of people who visit this site and think that one of the keys to being able to play console games with one hand is custom button configuration.  Most controllers have their third party counterparts that come with programmable buttons (get on the ball Xbox 360) but wouldn't it just make sense if every game was mandated to have this functionality built into the games?   Think about the increase in revenue these companies would attain in having a large audience of disabled gamers playing their creations.  Do they just not care?  I've struggled with triggers and thumb sticks for too long but love playing video games.  There are games I refuse to play due to their lack of configurations.  Their loss!  What can be done about this?  They have legislation for accessible websites and accessible work places, why not entertainment?

Re: Game developers: Include custom button configurations in all games.

Yes i completely agree, we need to start a campain! Send emails and such.

Re: Game developers: Include custom button configurations in all games.

Usually (in my humble experience) the game design compagnies simply lack the awareness. In that case, one or two email should be enough. Simply state in the email: 1. The number of people that would be able to play the game extra if they put in a certain accessibility feature. (back it up with some source) 2. The way they should implent the feature.

I would suggest something like this (but more formal and friendly and longer, hehe):

Dear [game design compagny],

I tried playing your recent game [insert name here], but I failed to do so because it lacked a very simple and basic accessibility feature. I have [this handicap] and [this many] people also, see [source]. All those people could enjoy your game if you would have but in [this feature]. I hope you will think of me and all the other people in my community, that I will ofcourse see to that your game is accessible if it is, next time *wink wink*, the next time you create a game. You might even add the feature to your downloadable content patch via X-Box live, that would really make my day (and than I won't have to refund the game. That would be awsome).

Or something like that.

I can't write an email like that because I don't have experience with playing games with just one hand, but if it has good sources than I would be more than willing to sign the email for you with my name and email, and I think allot of other people here would to. If you intend to write such a mail and have it singed with allot of names and emails than I suggest asking around for support on other game accessibility forums to.

Re: Game developers: Include custom button configurations in all games.

I agree with this point but this is not yet seen, If we email them regarding then this feature can be added.

Re: Game developers: Include custom button configurations in all games.

I wonder if there are any lawyers out there that could give us thier opinion.

The likes of Sony / Nintendo etc shouldn't be able to ignore their responsibilities under the DDA by saying 'its the developer's fault'

I write software for a living and building configurable controls into a game - or a utility for the platform to allow it before the game loads - isn't a big ask

Anyone know any DDA lawyers?