124 - Rumble

[matt]

In this video, I talk about how rumble works in most controllers, how we are taking advantage of it in Neverending Nightmares, and what we are trying to do with haptic feedback on the Steam Controller.

[ranger_lennier]

I liked the rumble from the monster footsteps in the new build. I was using the Xbox 360 controller.

From what I've heard, the Xbox One controller has much more precise rumble, including individual rumble for the left and right triggers. Microsoft hasn't released PC drivers for it yet, but is supposed to sometime this year.

http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/12/xbox- ... c-in-2014/

[gagaplex]

I have to admit I didn't try it yet. While I do own an Xbox-controller for my PC, I usually don't have it plugged in because a lot of games - including shooters! - immediately assume I want to use it and disable the keyboard and mouse input or the controller sends slight/jittery movement instructions even while idle. So annoying.

[matt]

I'm glad to hear you like it! The haptic feedback on the Xbox One triggers is pretty darn cool. I'm not sure if we'll support it though. I spent forever getting every guitar working on Retro/Grade and I'm not sure anyone ever used them... :-/ Support the most common stuff only is my new plan. hahah

[ranger_lennier]

I could definitely see myself using an Xbox One controller on the PC, especially since the D pad is supposed to be better.

[RightClickSaveAs]

Interesting stuff, I didn't know much about the details of how rumble controllers work. I'll definitely check out all the levels in the new build with my 360 controller.

I'm starting to come around to controllers in general, I've been pretty much exclusively a keyboard and mouse user for years, but I kinda like the 360 controller.

[matt]

I used to be a keyboard/mouse snob for FPSes, but now I'm finding that I prefer controllers even for those just because it's easier to use controllers in front of my TV and 7.1 surround sound system, which is where I like to play. Some games work better than others with a controller, but I think Neverending Nightmares works best with one.

Very early on, we had adventure game click to move to a destination controls, and I didn't like them at all, so we switched to direct player control, and it feels much better in my opinion anyway.

[RightClickSaveAs]

I replayed the build a couple times with my 360 controller, and I like the subtle ways rumble is used, especially the footsteps slowly ramping up as a baby monster gets closer. Two suggestions, what about also using it when the baby monster is shaking the cupboard and when there's thunder?

[matt]

Those are good ideas. I noticed that it was missing on cabinet shake, but I forgot to write that down. I think thunder would work well if it weren't too strong.

Thanks for the ideas!