Evil Controllers Making Accessible Gaming Eviler - Part 1

Evil Controllers is one of the most popular up-and-coming controller manufacturers, with dozens of different highly efficient and relatively lowly priced modified controllers, almost anyone can afford to own one of these professional gaming controllers.

Adam Coe is the evil man behind the Evil company, and evil enough to take the time to sit down and talk with AbleGamers about his company, the disabled community, and much more.

Steve Spohn, AbleGamers: Tell us about yourself Adam.

Adam Coe, CEO of Evil Controllers - My name is Adam Coe and I am 22 years old. I live in Phoenix, Arizona and I currently run my business Evil Controller there. I am in charge of research and development (playing games :) ), innovating new products, and running the assembly line.

SS: What got you into designing controllers?

AC: I was a big Halo 2 player and I wanted to improve my performance, so I modified my own controller. After I realized how effective my modification was, I decided to begin selling on eBay.

SS: What would be the evilest controller you can imagine?

AC: The evilest controller would be a black controller with red lights and completely reprogrammable features. It would allow the user to relocate button functions and save macros.

SS: What sets your company apart from the rest, other than being evil?

AC: Our product selection, product innovation, and superb customer service sets us apart from everyone.

SS: What lessons have you learned over the life of your company as far as what the public wants in a controller?

AC: Customization is exactly what everyone wants. No one likes boundaries and restrictions in games and unfortunately it’s present in all of them.

SS: Do you have a personal favorite?

AC: I know the public can agree on one thing, the 360 Controller Directional Pad being terrible!

SS: Where do you see evil controllers in five, ten, and 20 years?

AC: I see Evil Controllers creating video games and video game peripherals for all game consoles available.

SS: Where do you think controllers are headed?

AC: I think controllers are headed to motion. However, I believe controllers operated by hands will always be present. It will be a very long time before motion will be accepted by all.

SS: What made you want to get involved with accessibility?

AC: Fortunately a customer wrote us an e-mail requesting a custom controller for their disability. After finishing his mod and seeing his response, I couldn’t wait for the next mod.

SS: How do you think controllers will help disabled people keep up with the ever more complex gaming environment?

AC: If controllers are updated and redesigned with accessibility in mind, then it will only help with the advancement of gaming. By continuing to enhance and update features, a general solution will be found that can be applied to most disabilities. This is just the very beginning of Accessible Gaming, so I believe many solutions will be found in a matter of time.

SS: What is Evil Controller doing to move controllers in the direction of accessibility?

AC: We are working on developing controller designs for accessible gaming. Many customers contact us with special requests, which help us think of controller modification ideas. Many different requests have helped us “rethink” the controller.

SS: Do you think major controller developers, such as Nintendo, Sony, etc., are being shortsighted by not including the up to 9% of the consumer market that is disabled?

AC: Yes I do, but unfortunately the companies may be too big to see the issue. With the advancement of technology I hope they are making efforts to allow more customization. With the growth of gaming, it will only be a matter of time before they realize what they’ve been lacking in their business.

SS: Do you have personal experience with the disabled, disabled family members, disabled friends; those who really benefit from specialized controllers?