bram dingelstad Nov 16, 2022

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Show threadGreen FoxNov 16, 2022

@bram re:#gamedesign
Is it okay to move WASD over one to ESDF as default player controls?

I realize of course this is an extremely subjective question. But I personally believe ESDF is a superior control. WASD was chosen to be comfortable with the left hand and to minimize rollover. IMHO: We are holding on to WASD for the wrong reasons and we need to give ESDF as alternate default controls.

It's faster to move from ASDF home row. And gives 3-5 additional keys reachable by the pinky.

Show threadbram dingelstad Nov 16, 2022

@greenfox Good question! I do agree with your general sentiment around ESDF being superior

However, this touches on the design of the accessbility of your game. In general its best to stick to standards because (new) players are likely familiar with them. It's a trade-off

I would recommend having two control schemes / setting presets: one with the familiar controls that the player can just start with & an additional expert/recommended schema

Perhaps a popup before/after beating the tutorial?

Show threadowof gamesNov 16, 2022
@bram the note about accessibility is indeed a good point! all accessibility guides point towards remappable controls, and that would be a great solution if mixed with sensible presets (like a WASD preset and an ESDF preset). As a left-handed mouse user, for example, WASD or ESDF are equally uncomfortable. @greenfox
Show threadGreen Fox
@onefoxonewolf @bram I feel like at that point it is a different kind of "accessibility" problem. WASD is hyper accessable because everybody who plays games reaches for WASD first. But a left-handed mouse user probably also know to default to WASD. Just like a dvorak keyboard user knows to go cry in the corner.
But trying to teach the superior gospel of ESDF will confuse 100% of the beginner players. Even well versed beginner players.
Nov 16, 2022 at 9:09amWeb
Show threadGreen FoxNov 16, 2022
@onefoxonewolf @bram
I will point out though that I first realized ESDF was a viable alternative from Tribes2. In 2001.
http://www.sierrahelp.com/Documents/Manuals/Tribes_2_-_Manual.pdf (page 16)
ESDF was the default. Ahead of it's time in so many ways, I'd say.