Control System
The control system serves several essential functions in games:
Provides an interface through which players can issue commands: Interactivity distinguishes games from other forms of entertainment, such as plays, films, or books, by granting players a degree of control over the unfolding narrative. Without sufficient interactivity, games would provide a passive experience similar to the aforementioned mediums.
Influences the game’s level of difficulty through its design: The complexity of the control scheme directly affects the game’s difficulty. The more inputs required from players, the more challenging the game may become. Furthermore, a poorly designed control scheme can significantly reduce the game’s accessibility.
The objective is to design a control system that is both intuitive and ergonomic.
The following tips are outlined in this chapter:
Provide Intuitive Game Controls
Refer to the features that contribute to making game controls intuitive and easy to understand for players.
Design Ergonomic Control Layouts
Explore which fingers can be mapped to specific inputs in order to ensure that controlling an input device remains physically comfortable and efficient for players.
Implement Industry-Standard Control Schemes
Understand the advantages of implementing industry-standard control schemes and become familiar with the commonly accepted configurations.
Reduce the Number of Inputs Required for Mastery
Learn the importance of maintaining a simplified control layout and discover effective strategies for managing a minimal number of inputs.
Present a Clear Visualization of the Control Scheme
Explore the importance of visualizing the control layout and learn methods for presenting this information clearly within the game interface.
Enable Players to Customize Control Configurations
Understand the benefits of offering control customization and review a list of possible configuration options that players can personalize according to their preferences.