Having created few of the trendsetting titles in the history of video games, Valve is known for developing new ways that allow gamers to interact with the in-game world and on-screen interfaces. Now, it appears that the company is concerning itself with easing players even more with breakthrough accessibility features such as eye-tracking which will allow them to indulge in hassle-free video game action. With minor tweaks like pausing while in a single player campaign, re-assignable keys and mouse sensitivity to larger ones which entirely alter the on-screen projection to suite the ones who are colorblind, the company has been continually opening up new dimensions for physically compromised players to experience.
Valve Software’s experimental psychologist Mike Ambinder in a word with Gamasutra revealed how these customizable additions not only enhance overall functionality for the limited handicapped user base, but also for the community at large. “Most of the accommodations we make for disabled gamers stem from functionality added to improve the experience of both able and disabled gamers,” explained Ambinder. “In particular, we’re intrigued by the potential of eye-trackers and the eventual ability to let gamers use their eyes as active controller inputs.”
With increase in compatibility for adaptable controlling accessories, games like Left 4 Dead and Team Fortress 2 are already popular in the gaming community of the disabled. “..both groups of gamers benefit from the ability to pause Left 4 Dead 2 if they need to take a break or escape from the action” says Ambinder, elaborating on how the inclusions of close-captioned subtitles enable all players to process the in-game narrative and other audible effects in an alternative visual medium.
While this could conveniently eliminate the use of mice, keyboards or gamepads, it can also enhance a game’s accessibility enabling users to send navigation signals and targeting inputs utilizing just their eyes. And with motion-sensing accessories like Sony’s Move and Kinect taking players captive for their capabilities, Valve’s seemingly far-fetched idea of eye-tracking integration might actualize soon in the near future for a truly controller-free gaming.