Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Gamepads
These are Bluetooth external controllers consisting in a control pad and a full set
of buttons to offer optimal control capabilities for more console-style oriented titles.
Such devices offer some advantages and have drawbacks.
The first advantage is that a gamepad is a better controlling device than a touch-
screen when dealing with levers and buttons, because a gamepad offers that tactile
feedback to the player's actions that the virtual pad on a touchscreen cannot. This
is very important for action games. Secondly, the player has his/her hand on the
pad and don't encumber the screen area with their fingers. Finally, playing with your
iPhone won't leave any oily traces on the screen, which is good anyway!
One disadvantage is that external controllers must be supported by titles, to work
with games. This means that game developers are supposed to take care of sup-
porting one or more of these controllers in their games. As a developer, you have to
consider the extra time and money it costs to support gamepads and compare it with
the popularity of such devices.
Gamepad models range from those that apply to the device itself, offering a better
grip on the smartphone and turning it into a true handheld game console, while oth-
ers are provided with a docking station for the mobile device, so that the player only
holds the gamepad in his hands, such as with the debated Duo Gamer, the first
gamepad officially approved by Apple, which costs $79 at the time of writing, and is
only compatible with the Gameloft titles. There is also the retro style 8-Bitty controller
by iCade which is basically a NES controller connected via Bluetooth to your iPhone.
Others are as small as a key holder and only offer a cross-directional pad and a
couple of buttons, enough for more arcade-oriented, old-school titles.
For those of you with a steam-punk soul, it is even possible to connect Bluetooth or
USB gaming devices to an Android phone. We know of gamers who use their PS3
