Microsoft’s Adaptive Controller Breaks the Barriers for Physical Disabilities

Video games have always played a vital role in releasing stress and anxiety. In this era of digital virtual reality where once own avatar can be modified in such a way that the reality is directly opposite to it. Gaming has always helped people with various severe diseases and mental difficulties, live to their fullest potential in the games they play. But gaming industry has not yet developed in such a way that it can help players with physical difficulties to relieve their shortcomings in playing games.

To give people an opportunity to play those special experiences — specifically, players with mobility impairments that might hinder or prevent the use of a standard gamepad, Microsoft has developed the Xbox Adaptive Controller. It’s a device designed to pair with an array of existing peripherals to let more people with disabilities play games on Windows 10 and Xbox One. It’s not just designed to address one specific disability, but instead to be a base on which any number of adaptive options can be added on.

The world of video games is not particularly welcoming to individuals with disabilities. Game makers and platform holders have made some strides in this area in recent years, but for the most part, they’ve left the hard work to third-party organizations. The Xbox Adaptive Controller is the strongest, clearest expression yet of Microsoft’s commitment to reaching people with disabilities, and it sprang in part out of a controller that’s on the opposite end of the accessibility spectrum.

Microsoft together with AbleGamers, SpecialEffect, the veteran-focused charity Warfighter Engaged and accessory manufacturers, also with the help of Cerebral Palsy Foundation and Craig Hospital, a Denver-area rehabilitation centre for brain and spinal cord injuries worked on the device that would become the Xbox Adaptive Controller.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 18, 2018 05:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).