The world of gaming is always evolving, with technological advancements bringing new possibilities and experiences to players around the globe. Yet, one area often forgotten is accessibility.
Gaming is more than entertainment, it is a lifestyle and community, but for some disabled people it means even more. Providing them with a sense of community, socialization and for some, escapism. Allowing them to achieve things in the virtual world that they might struggle to do in their own day to day. This is why it is so important to make the hobby more accessible, so that everyone can enjoy video games to the fullest.
Many disabled gamers have struggled to find controllers that accommodate their needs, relying on limited or makeshift solutions, often being particularly expensive. According to AbleGamers; up to 45% of disabled people are also gamers.
A Controller Built for All
Enter ByoWave's Proteus controller—a grand innovation designed to make gaming more inclusive and accessible for everyone, including one-handed and disabled gamers.
The Proteus controller, brainchild of Byowave, is not just another gaming accessory; it's a game-changer. Named after the Greek god known for his everchanging form, the Proteus controller lives up to its name by offering unprecedented customization options. This new device is designed to meet the unique needs of each player, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their favorite games unrestrictedly. One of the standout features of the Proteus controller is its modular design. Unlike traditional controllers that have a fixed layout, the Proteus allows players to configure the buttons, triggers, and joysticks in a way that best suits their physical abilities. This level of customization is achieved through a simple yet effective system of interchangeable modules that snap into place. Whether a gamer needs larger buttons, different joystick placements, or more accessible triggers, the Proteus can be tailored to meet those needs.
For one-handed gamers, the Proteus controller is a revolutionary tool. Traditional controllers often require two hands to operate, making it difficult for individuals with limited use of one hand to play effectively.
Beyond one-handed use, the Proteus controller is also a boon for gamers with various disabilities. ByoWave has worked closely with the disabled gaming community to understand their needs and incorporate feedback into the design process. The result is a controller that is not only versatile but also intuitive and comfortable to use.
The Proteus controller is compatible with a wide range of gaming platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. This cross-platform compatibility means that gamers do not have to limit themselves to specific systems or titles.
Xbox’s Foray into Accessibility
Xbox has also tried its hand at Accessible technology, with Xbox’s Adaptive Controller; A new custom controller built for the Xbox’s newer consoles and compatible with Windows PCs. The brainchild of Spencer Allen, the Adaptive Controller is the culmination of his work battling his own disability. The centerpiece at first glance seems like little more than a rectangular Xbox controller with two large push pads replacing the directional sticks, but there is more to it than that. It serves as a hub for creating and customizing your own personalized controller to suit your needs, with several switches, buttons, joysticks, and mounts with which you can connect and disconnect any number of accessories.
A fantastic step in an interesting direction and while initially far cheaper than Byowave’s creation, the need for numerous accessories does put the final price up in the air, dependent on a disabled person’s needs. From claw mounts, quad sticks and foot pedals, the number of accessories, Xbox made or supported is staggering. You can find more information in their Accessories Guide.
PlayStation’s Project Leonardo
Having strived for greater accessibility for some time now, with the myriad helpful options within recent releases along with their intuitive UI of the PS4 and PS5, it comes as no surprise that PlayStation have come out with their own accessibility controller, dubbed Project Leonardo.
Revealed during CES 2023, Leonardo is an innovative breakthrough, highly customizable and masterfully designed to fit a wide range of physical needs. Its circular design is modular, its components easily swapped so players may tailor make their own layouts, button mappings and sensitivity controls. It integrates seamlessly with the PlayStation 5, a long-awaited solvent to the issues some players might have still had with the standard controllers.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Accessible Gaming
The Proteus controller by ByoWave is more than just a piece of gaming hardware; it is a testament to the power of inclusive design. By offering a customizable, adaptable, and user-friendly solution, ByoWave is helping to break down barriers and ensure that gaming is an enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. As more companies follow Byowave, PlayStation and Xbox’s lead, the future of gaming looks brighter and more inclusive than ever before.
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