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Playing up close and personal
I enjoy video games. I have played many games. It is a fun activity I can enjoy with friends. But I am worried about the trend towards motion controlled games. The Wii has been very popular because it is easy to play for most people. But you have to stand a long way from the television. I cannot see the screen when I am so far away. Now Sony and Microsoft have their own motion control systems. I hope I will be able to join in the fun.
Posted by: Mitchell Diamond, on 12/10/10
Wii uses a remote to control the action
I am a big gamer. I have played video games on many different consoles and computers. My favourite games include Nintendo's Mario and Zelda series. I have enjoyed them all.
I have a vision impairment. Multi-player video games like Mario Kart and Halo have provided a recreational activity I can enjoy with friends. I am not able to participate in other activities with them such as football or cricket.
But recently I have become concerned about changing video game controllers. The popularity of Nintendo's Wii has encouraged Sony and Microsoft to develop their own motion-based controllers.
Remote control
Nintendo's Wii uses a remote to control the action. The system reads the position of the controller via a sensor-bar placed near the television. You need to be at least three feet away from the sensor bar to play. Generally the further away the sensor bar is from the remote, the more accurate it is.
The Wii is difficult for me to use. The controls are easy to learn. There are also many fun, engaging games. But for somebody with vision impairment, sitting far away from the television makes it almost impossible to play. I find myself having to sit sideways to my television. I stretch the sensor bar as far away as it can get. It is very unnatural and uncomfortable.
New direction
Sony has just released its PlayStation Move motion control system for the PlayStation 3. Microsoft also has an add-on for the Xbox 360 called Kinect coming soon.
With the immense popularity of the Wii and the new motion controllers, I am concerned about the new direction of the gaming industry. I am worried about what it will mean for people with vision impairment. If there are more games that require you to be a set distance from the screen, we won't be able to join the fun.
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