Sony is set to release a PlayStation controller in December, featuring a circular arrangement of large buttons and a side-mounted joystick. This controller is designed to enhance gaming accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
The gaming industry has faced mounting pressure to address this issue, which has been perceived as long-neglected, especially with competitors introducing similar products in recent years.
Jeremy Lecerf, a gamer known as Gyzmo, who was impressed by the new controller, commented, "I wouldn't be surprised to see able-bodied people using it." Lecerf, who specializes in video games and has myopathy, was invited by Sony to London to test the innovative device, which reimagines the traditional controller design.
He is an ambassador for the French association HandiGamer, an organization that provides support to disabled gamers.
The new controller has been lauded for its meticulous design, with Lecerf noting that Sony has made an effort to ensure its accessibility for individuals with various disabilities. He expressed appreciation for the gaming industry's commitment to addressing accessibility issues, and he found the new "access controller" to be a positive step forward.
Lecerf tested the controller while playing "Stray," an adventure video game where the player assumes the role of a cat. He emphasized that an increasing number of video game publishers are actively working on improving accessibility.
A 2021 report by UK disability equality charity Scope revealed that two-thirds of disabled gamers face barriers to playing video games, and 40 percent have purchased games that they couldn't play due to poor accessibility. Major studios, publishers, and manufacturers are now taking note of this issue, driven by both ethical and financial considerations.
Lecerf shared the impact of video games in his life, stating that they have allowed him to lead a life closer to normalcy and have a social life. He views video games as an "extremely inclusive tool" that connects people with the world.
Alvin Daniel, Senior Technical Program Manager at PlayStation, highlighted that addressing accessibility concerns is a trend that extends across the entire gaming industry, not restricted to PlayStation alone.
He emphasized the goal of making the controller adapt to the player rather than requiring the player to adapt to the controller.
Recognizing that disabilities are experienced uniquely by individuals, the focus is on tailoring solutions to accommodate these differences.
The new device is highly adaptable, as it can be placed on a table or affixed to a stand and oriented in any direction. Each button is equipped with magnetic caps that can change shape, making them easier to press or grasp, and users can assign various functions to these buttons.
Melanie Eilert, a German game player and accessibility consultant who has spinal muscular atrophy, found the device to be slightly large for her needs, with buttons that were somewhat stiff to press. However, she highlighted the benefit of being able to attach external buttons, a feature that she personally values. Eilert, who can only play with her right hand, brought her own colored buttons to use with the controller, as numerous third-party manufacturers offer accessories tailored to accommodate the disabilities of players, including those activated by mouth movements or breath.
Eilert indicated that it was too early to make a direct comparison with the competitor's controller launched five years ago by Microsoft for Xbox, which also allows for the connection of external devices. Nevertheless, the development of these types of devices is essential for her, as she had to stop playing games for approximately 15 years due to her disability. She expressed her joy at being able to play again.
Sony initiated the project to develop the controller in 2018, and it took time because they had a blank slate to work with, according to Alvin Daniel. They conducted numerous tests with different designs on three continents, in collaboration with associations and experts, before finalizing the product.
The new controller will be available from December 6, with a recommended retail price of 89.99 euros in Europe and $89.99 in the United States, similar to the cost of existing classic models.
