It’s interesting how a simple trip to Blockbuster can change the direction of a rant. I had planned on a rant about the ultra irritating cameras in games; however this all changed after looking at used games at Blockbuster. After fumbling through their very limited selection I kept noticing I wasn’t able to play any of these games. Now in order for me to be able to play a console game it needs to be digital character control or at least have a way to switch the control scheme. Every game picked up was analog control and these are not new games. I couldn’t even play the freaking Spongebob game. This got me thinking, when the last time I actually bought a console game was

The last console game I bought was Tekken 5 back in 2005. I was actually really surprised it had been so long. Now PC games are great but I’m more of a console guy. With my disability, I’m not able to be in my chair more then eight hours at one time. If I actually want to go out and experience reality, I can’t sit and do a four hour instance. So console games are great because I’m able to play while in bed not to mention the fact that you don’t have to upgrade a console. I guess I just have problem spending hundreds of dollars upgrading a PC when I could be spending it else where. Oh, I don’t know, like to buy games.

I look at many game franchises I used to be able to play and it pisses me off. I knew I couldn’t play every game but certain ones I could always count on. Now it looks as if my console day may be almost over. So, why the sudden change of control scheme and with no option for adjusting the controls? It’s not like customizable controls are a new concept, SNES games were able to do it all the time. I don’t remember hearing any complaints from the “normal” gamers nor have I heard many praises for the changes made. If anything most gamers love the idea of having more people gaming as long as it doesn‘t affect their game play. It’s just another person to beat. It also give them a chance to say “Man, I got into a fight with a disabled dude today.” and not getting the crap beat out of them.

The issue really is money. We as disabled gamers don’t seem like we would spend enough money to make up for the time and effort spend to make games accessible. Now I know that’s bunch of crap because I sold about 12 old games to Gamestop at one point. Those were just games I had bought in about a two year time frame. If you make games as accessible as possible without messing up game play for everyone else. You will make money I can guarantee it. Hell, if I could afford a PS3 I’d still get one, not only for the games but other features. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like anyone is even trying. So I’m calling the video game industry out. You make it happen, We’ll spend money, and everyone is happy. Now get to work!