In 2018, Microsoft released its Adaptive Controller for Xbox, which is a wholly redesigned controller created for those with impaired mobility to still be able to play games unhindered by utilizing its new methods for input. Now, Sony looks to be attempting to improve the accessibility of its own published games with a new kind of controller attachment. This was revealed in a patent published within the past few weeks for a device that helps convey information to visually impaired players using tactile feedback.
The device essentially fits over the touchpad portion of a PlayStation DualShock controller. When in place, the controller can then send precise information, allowing it to transmit text like a braille board solely through touch.
Within their patent filing, Sony also summarizes the current state of accessibility features available to console gamers at large in order to better explain how their planned device tackles some key challenges. Text-to-speech, for example, which is one of the most readily-available accessibility options for visually impaired gamers, oftentimes interrupts the flow of a game. If a text menu is being displayed while another action is taking place on-screen, the reading of that menu will essentially disrupt whatever else is taking place, which isn’t ideal for a medium that relies on immersion.
While the ability to transmit text through braille would address this issue on a surface level, the high amount of text included in many modern AAA titles would certainly overwhelm a peripheral with such a small surface area. For that reason, Sony also proposes adjusting accessibility in order to provide visually impaired players with useful information rather than all the information. For example, directional arrows could be conveyed through the tactile attachment in order to indicate positive or negative stat changes, without having to spell out the full sentences on-screen explaining those changes.
This new attachment is presumably being designed for the Playstation 5. The new DualShock 5 controller has already been announced to include advanced haptic feedback features. Gone are the traditional rumbling motors, which will be replaced with more sophisticated voice-coil actuators. Its triggers will also be capable of varying degrees of resistance. With these features and Sony’s new device in conjunction, the PS5 could ultimately redefine the industry standard for non-visual accessibility.
Source: SegmentNext
