Interaction within video games is a very important and diverse topic.
I remember as a kid playing the Super Nintendo and its box like square
controller as well as the Sega Megadrive which I had a very large controller
for (almost size of the console). Then came the Nintendo 64 with its central
joystick and trigger design. I also remember going on Time Splitters in the
cinema arcade, picking up those guns and having a great time. However,
controllers back then very difficult to use and not very ergonomic which seems
to have evolved a whole lot since then. This ofcourse also applies to
handhelds, interestingly though variations of things like tamagochis and mini
games have come and gone, the game boy design from Nintendo has not changed a
whole lot, still very square with a D pad, start and select. I also remember
buying a steering wheel for my PS2, though it was not great in terms of
articulation and sensitivity, it dramatically enhanced the driving experience
in games like Gran Turismo 3 and GTA San Andreas. So what has changed and how?
And is it for the better?
One thing I have seen a large increase in is touch screen. This is
not solely based on gaming either, mobile devices, pc monitors and other
technology seem to have embraced this attribute. Users can guide cursors in
consoles like the Nintendo DS and PS Vita using pens/hands, this allows for far
greater interaction and when done correctly the player can have more control in
the game or application. I think this evolution in technology is a big step
because we can see larger screen sizes as buttons are no longer required
(Samsung Galaxy series and iPads for example). Voice recognition is another key
element, though I have not personally used this, I recently noticed that Xbox
One’s presentation had a few hiccups whilst it was demonstrating the Kinect
system, it actually affected users whilst watching and this resulted in their
live streams shutting off. Hah OOPS! A technology called ‘Dragon’ or ‘Dragon
Speech Recognition has also been developed, though I’m not sure it if it’s on
the market, here is a video of a gamer utilising it. Personally I am not sure
if it will improve reaction times but it is definitely impressive.
http://news.yahoo.com/touch-taking-over-touchscreen-laptop-shipments-climbed-4-205018569.html
(a brief look at windows 8 touch screen sales)
(a brief look at windows 8 touch screen sales)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnfHOgB85xs
(children with iPads)
(xbox one)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX_PI5WYcDI
(voice recognition tech)
Now, ofcourse we have consoles like the Wii. A very smart evolution in technology that lets the player interact with games directly, the controller becomes a sword, golf club, tennis racket as well as many other things; Sony and Microsoft have ofcourse made their own variations, Kinect and Playstaiton Move. Whilst Nintendo have gone for a motion sensitive controller, Microsoft has chosen camera censoring with voice recognition. Sony has developed something that is a mix of both. These technologies enhance gaming in many ways; for example, players can now feel like they are a part of the game itself and are no longer sitting on the couch. It also can be a fun alternative when using the multiplayer functions, similar to arcade dancing machines but in the house. However, if I am playing something like Assasin’s Creed I would rather be sitting in one place and using a controller for obvious reasons. On a serious note, this technology does have a gimmicky aspect to it, kind of like 3D is for films, its great and CAN enhance the experience, but there is nothing wrong with with 2D cinema, as the controller is gerat already. Sony did come up with something similar on their previous console (PS2) called the Eyetoy which would sense players using a camera, though it was not much of a success.
(motion sensitive tech on console’s)
(eyetoy reviews)
Ergonomics in design have developed very nicely, the PS3 and 360
controller’s are very nice to handle and seem to be specifically built for long
term use. Removing wires is also a great touch so users can wonder with the
controller in hand and not have to worry about tripping every 30 seconds. Gaming
mice are also something that can enhance the experience, with custom
sensitivity and macro keys; they can help you do things in game far quicker
than with a regular mouse. Simulator’s are also can be a great experience,
racing wheels with clutch and manual gear compatibility, gaming chairs, and
multiple monitor set ups such as Eyefinity (3 or more monitor setup) can all be
purchased today. So what is my conclusion? I think it is still about the game
itself, the technology should not be relied upon to make great video games. If
the art direction is great, the gameplay is brilliant and the narrative is solid,
it will not matter how many screens I have or if I am sitting or standing.
Although I would love to get my hands on one of those racing wheels!
(Racing simulator using G27 wheel)
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