I’m sure that headline has probably been done a million times before but I like it and I’m sticking with it. So there.
Anyway, word reaches me via my good friend’s blog-o-matic that our xnPlay Essential Shoot1up has just got an update. Now, yeah, games get updates all the time and we don’t post about them at all. If we did that, aside from the fact xnPlay might actually be populated with some posts these days, we’d just be full of really dull news. It’s rare that an update warrants anything close to a post of its own.
The Shoot1up update? Oh yeah, we’ll talk about that because it’s fabulous stuff. It’s important stuff.
And you know what? It’s stuff you other developers should be thinking about too. It makes a difference. You can make a difference.
So, what’s in the update? Let’s take a look at the PR blurb because that’s the way we roll round these parts.
* Configurable one switch mode,
* Game play speed controls in which gamers can slow the entire game down to accommodate slower reaction time,
* Quick start option which can begin a new game with a single input, using your last settings,
* Auto-fire and auto-formation management options for those who become easily fatigued,
* New flight-path icons for less dependence on screen text,
* Contrast changes to the background graphics for gamers with eye sensitivities or various perception problems, and
* Fully configurable button re-mapping for regular controls.
Fantastic. Really, really fantastic.
The thing is, they all sound like nothing really in the grand scheme of things and whilst it’s a little bit more awkward to start adding these things in afterwards, if more developers did this then more people can play your games. And what do more people being able to play your games make? Go on, have a guess…
What I’m essentially saying here is that no matter how hardcore your game is, no matter how mental or crazy your game is – if you consider this stuff and include this stuff then you’re making a massive difference to people who wouldn’t normally be able to play your game and you’re helping bring more people into gaming. It’s a win for everyone and crucially, it’s a worthy win for everyone.
This is the kind of update that makes me not just a little bit happy, it makes me proud that someone has took the time out to do this. So, y’know, well played Nathan and let’s hope that more developers follow his lead now.
You can read the full press release here.
Recent Comments