Control Freaks
Samantha Stahlke, Pejman Mirza-Babaei · 2022
Abstract This chapter explores how players communicate their intentions to a game through its input. Different means of input are explored, including direct interaction with a physical controller, or navigating a virtual interface. Design principles, such as consistency, logically mapping controls to their function, and constraining player action where necessary, are applied to define what makes a control scheme successful. The specific challenges of various control paradigms, such as the difference between first- and third-person games, are also explored. This chapter also includes some advice on designing input schemes for multiple platforms and employing creativity in control design to surprise players without violating their expectations or comfort.