Use Graphical Elements Instead of Requiring Mastery of Hardware Inputs
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Avoiding the requirement for players to master the hardware inputs of a given platform—such as keyboard keys—can make your game more accessible to a broader range of players:
Those who are new to the game and prefer simple controls, at least during the initial moments of gameplay.
Those who are not motivated to learn hardware inputs, such as complex key combinations.
Those who experience difficulties with memory retention.
Those who can only use, or prefer to use, a mouse when playing on a computer.
Using hardware inputs offers a clear advantage, as executing desired actions is generally faster than clicking buttons in a GUI, thereby allowing players more time to focus on other tasks within the game.
For players who cannot or choose not to use hardware inputs, you may provide graphical alternatives such as menus and buttons. These serve as substitutes for executing actions and can enhance accessibility. Below are examples of scenarios in which both input methods may be effectively utilized.
Interacting with Doors in an Action Game
In this scenario, players need to interact with a door that leads to another room within a building. When players are in close proximity to the door, they have several interaction options:
Use a snake camera to inspect the area behind the door.
Open the door.
Open the door and throw a flashbang grenade.
Breach the door using explosives.
In an action game, a radial menu featuring these four options may appear at the center of the screen, allowing players to select the desired action by moving the cursor.
Players can either activate the interaction menu and select the desired option displayed on the screen, or they may press the appropriate hardware key to perform the action directly, without opening the menu.
Interacting with Items in Inventories in a Role-Playing Game
In this scenario, players need to manage items in their inventory. When opening the inventory and selecting an assault rifle, they are presented with the following actions:
Inspect the rifle.
Equip the player character with the rifle.
Unload the ammunition from the rifle.
Disassemble the rifle.
Drop the rifle.
In a role-playing game, when players right-click on the icon representing the assault rifle, a context menu with five options appears. Players can then select the desired action by moving the cursor and clicking the left mouse button.
Players can either open the context menu and choose an action displayed on the screen or press the corresponding hardware key to perform the action without interacting with the menu.
Performing Actions for a Selected Unit in a Strategy Game
In this scenario, players must execute different actions for a selected unit in a strategy game, depending on the context. When selecting an attack helicopter, the following actions are available:
Attack a selected enemy unit.
Cease movement.
Land on the nearest suitable surface.
Launch an air-to-ground missile.
Deploy flares.
Upon selecting the attack helicopter in a real-time strategy game, a menu with five icons representing the available actions appears in the lower-right corner of the screen. Players can then choose the desired action by moving the cursor and clicking the left mouse button on the corresponding icon.
Players can either select the action through the on-screen menu or press the appropriate hardware key to perform the action directly, bypassing the menu.