Game Controller - Embodiment

This week we have the second embodiment assignment, this time for a game controller. When we think of a classic game controller, we often think of a joystick, and in more modern systems we almost always have a gamepad. However, the game controller is certainly not limited to these two options. Over the years, many different input devices have existed for home consoles. As early as the 1980s, the first Nintendo introduced the Light Gun to play Duck Hunt, and in 2006 they introduced the Nintendo Wii, which made use of player movement.

Home Game Controllers  
Joystick Gamepad
Classic Joystick Modern Gamepad
Light Gun Wii
Nintendo Light Gun Nintendo Wii

Japan’s Arcades

For truly creative alternative inputs, Japan’s arcade halls are a great place to look. There you can find everything from motorcycles you can sit on to full train simulators, dance machines, and the famous Cho Chabudai Gaeshi (Super Dinner Table Flipping), where the game controller is nothing more than a table that you can pound on after which you can flip the whole thing upside down to vent all your frustrations.

Japan’s Arcades  
Vroom Train nerd's wet dream
Motor Arcade Train Operator Simulator
Boogie All Night Long Done With Everything
Dance for a High Score Super Dinner Table Flipping  

Homemade Alternatives

We will keep things a bit more limited, but a simple input interface, if well designed and appropriately matched, can make a game much more enjoyable. For inspiration, you can find some alternative inputs here from the 2014 Alt.Ctrl.GDC event.

Alt.Ctrl.GDC  
Boom Rocking
Missile Control Board Guitar Paddles as Input
Caterpillar Simulator Wooosh
Caterpillar Simulator Wooosh

Finally, here are some input devices designed by students during a previous edition of this course.