The concept of accessibility in gaming is something we’ve
been discussing for years, if not decades. Often, it takes the form of how to
design the games themselves. However, it is a lot rarer to hear or see that something
is being done when it comes to the physical devices used for gaming. FPS Mousefor the handicapped is a GoFundMe campaign that is determined to change thisthrough a simple yet ingenious concept - producing a mouse that allows peoplewho use only one hand to play first-person shooters.
FPS games are one of the biggest genres in gaming ever since
the late 1990s and the future holds a similar trend. All of this time, people
who do not have the ability use of both of their hands have been left out – the
gameplay setup for these games is either mouse and keypad or a dual stick
controller action.
The FPS Mouse for the handicapped could allow all of that to
change. As the device prototype concept shows, the idea is to utilize a small
joystick-like button on the side of the mouse that would be used for movement.
Next to it would be a range of buttons, all of which could attain some command
function for a particular game. All of this is not just very double in terms of
technology, but it is a wonder there are no similar devices currently on the
market.
The GoFundMe campaign supporting the device just got underway
and it is seeking $50,000 for its development. The donations would be the first
step to getting the device a patent and then making a prototype. The people
behind the campaign are looking to have both of these ready by 2019.
It is important to think about those gamers who have different
physical and mental capabilities than the majority of the population. The FPS
Mouse for the handicapped is a device that could make a world of difference for
all those first-person shooter players who can only use one hand for their
gaming sessions.