Sony to Launch PlayStation Controller for People with Disabilities
By Pierre Herubel
London – In a bid to address long-neglected accessibility issues, Sony is set to release a PlayStation controller in December designed to make gaming easier for people with disabilities. The move comes as the gaming giant faces pressure from the industry to cater to the needs of disabled gamers, with other companies already bringing similar products to the market.
French gamer Jeremy Lecerf, also known as Gyzmo, was invited by Sony to London to test the new device. Lecerf, who specializes in video games and has a disability called myopathy, expressed his satisfaction with the “access controller” as it is designed to be inclusive for a range of disabilities. He even mentioned that able-bodied individuals might be interested in using it.
According to a 2021 report by UK disability equality charity Scope, two-thirds of disabled gamers face barriers when playing video games, while 40 percent have bought games that they were unable to play due to poor accessibility. However, major studios, publishers, and manufacturers are now recognizing the importance of addressing accessibility issues, both ethically and financially.
Lecerf emphasized the inclusive nature of video games and how they have allowed him to have a social life that is closer to normality. Alvin Daniel, Senior Technical Program Manager at PlayStation, explained that the company wanted the controller to adapt to the player, considering that disabilities are experienced differently by each individual.
The new PlayStation controller boasts several features that enhance accessibility. It can be placed on a table or fixed to a stand in any direction. The buttons are magnetic and can change shape, making them easier to press or grab, and users can assign any function to them. External buttons and accessories developed by third-party manufacturers are also compatible with the controller, allowing individuals to adapt it to their specific needs.
German gamer Melanie Eilert, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy and can only play with her right hand, commended the new controller. She also noted that it is early to compare it with the competitor controller launched by Microsoft for Xbox five years ago, which also supports external devices. Eilert explained how essential these devices are for disabled gamers, as they provide an opportunity to engage in a beloved hobby despite physical limitations.
Sony began developing the controller in 2018, with the project taking time due to the company starting from scratch. Multiple designs were tested with the assistance of associations and experts before finalizing the product. The controller will be available for purchase from December 6, with a recommended retail price of 89.99 euros in Europe and $89.99 in the US, which is comparable to the cost of existing classic models.
Overall, Sony’s initiative to prioritize accessibility in gaming demonstrates the industry’s awareness and commitment to inclusivity, allowing more individuals to enjoy the immersive and social experience that video games offer.
I have over 10 years of experience in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. I have attended numerous conferences and events around the world, and my work has been featured in major publications such as CoinDesk, Bitcoin Magazine, and Yahoo Finance.
