Exis Freedom
by Peter Kojesta · 10/04/2006 (1:01 pm) · 22 comments
Exis is a small indie developer; we create our own games and contract our art/programming services to other companies. I started making games and game art when I was 14 years old (back in the Atarti & NES days), and started in the industry in 1998. 8 years later I'm very happy to still be working in this industry; which is something you don't hear too many people say anymore. In early 2005 I saw the new console generation and the coming transition year slowly creeping up on the industry. I had considered buying an Xbox 360, a PS3, and even a Wii if I could afford them all. The reason I probably won't buy any of them is because too many genres, the RTS and FPS genres to name a few, are made unplayable by an uninspired and outdated controller design. A mouse and keyboard are cumbersome at best and they remove the visual appeal of a well organized entertainment system. Since having a mouse and keyboard lying in front of the TV was not an option, I designed the Freedom controller.
The Freedom controller gives users wireless mouse functionality and normal game-pad control at the same time. It's meant to be a clean, modular gamepad that allows one to retain the "console culture". The controller has two main elements, the first is the wireless gamepad portion, and the second is the wireless optical mouse. Users can attach and detach the two distinct portions in order to get the functionality they want. You want action game controls, connect the two sections together. You want RTS controls, detach the optical mouse and command your troops properly. This is the core functionality of the Exis Freedom controller; it brings a useful and battle hardened control scheme to the game consoles. I've done enough industrial design in my time to be able to effectively show how this controller can be done. So the interesting thing is that I've had one of Microsoft's partners offer to fund development of this controller, but only if MS gives the okay, so I guess we'll see what happens.
- Peter Kojeta
The Freedom controller gives users wireless mouse functionality and normal game-pad control at the same time. It's meant to be a clean, modular gamepad that allows one to retain the "console culture". The controller has two main elements, the first is the wireless gamepad portion, and the second is the wireless optical mouse. Users can attach and detach the two distinct portions in order to get the functionality they want. You want action game controls, connect the two sections together. You want RTS controls, detach the optical mouse and command your troops properly. This is the core functionality of the Exis Freedom controller; it brings a useful and battle hardened control scheme to the game consoles. I've done enough industrial design in my time to be able to effectively show how this controller can be done. So the interesting thing is that I've had one of Microsoft's partners offer to fund development of this controller, but only if MS gives the okay, so I guess we'll see what happens.
- Peter Kojeta
#22
A few years ago I was playing Age of Empires on my 57" HDTV via S-Video output on my notebook PC. It was a lot of fun.
With the right controller RTS games would definitely do well on the console.
Good Luck! Keep us posted!
10/06/2006 (11:28 pm)
Really interesting story.A few years ago I was playing Age of Empires on my 57" HDTV via S-Video output on my notebook PC. It was a lot of fun.
With the right controller RTS games would definitely do well on the console.
Good Luck! Keep us posted!
Torque Owner Charles B
make a pad where the left and right analog sticks are where the l2 and r2 buttons are and you would have something unique - and actually better to use.
I want to be able to button mash with both thumbs and use the other fingers on the 2 analog joysticks.