Game with the sense of touch

#1 There is a great game called Real Sound that has no video. It is an adventure game that used complete audio cues. I think a game, which extremely niche, would be a great way to do a mystery adventure where the main character is blind. It think that it would be really, really cool.

#2 I think the biggest problem you'll have is not so much making the games - you could have a vast variety of games off puzzle games and even creative adventure or platformers too - it'll be trying to market this joystick to the masses. For one, it looks and sounds like a gimmick. Even normal joysticks aren't always taken on by a lot of gamers. I could count on one hand how many people i know that own and actively use joysticks, and that hand could probably be missing a finger or two.

Is the device only usable with one hand? The description and the picture makes it look like its a standalone, that you can only use one at a time. What kinds of possible games could you make using two, so both hands have to work in unison? The device has interchangeable grips, does this mean I have to dig out some other doohicky to change the device every time I want to play a different genre, or even a game? and heaven help you if you make me change my toy around multiple times in the same game.

It could work. Hell, the Wii is evidence enough that you can be hugely successful on little more than imagination, and I myself am a particularly hesitant gamer when it comes to the "latest and greatest", since it usually is over priced and under whelming.

So, I'm not trying to shoot you down, just give you the reaction of at least one humble gamer.

As for your actual question, I'd say a few puzzle games, but actually I'd really try to stay away from that, because the market for puzzle games will always be filled, especially with the DS and Wii and more innovative devices. I'd try pushing the envelope on platforming or adventure games. See what feels intuitive, and make it fun. Sport games might also provide plenty of material, though like puzzle games, they will always have plenty of cannon fodder in the market.

#3 I think David's idea is nice,

I was going to agree with Jacob about joysticks, because joysticks don't tend to sell that great most games don't need joysticks. But after reading some of the pages about that device I see it's a bit more then a joystick and I think if there were enough games to adopt it it could sell decently.

I didn't have time to read everything on the page about the joystick tonight, although I what I read was interesting so I will read more tomorrow. The first types of game that came to mind were sports actually. The one thing that's always been lacking in sports games has been a real feel for how hard you throw/hit a ball. It's always been a floating meter. With this device I could see a lot more control in a sports game from how hard and with what spin to put on a bowling ball to how hard to throw a football/baseball etc.

My vote would be to explore some sports type games and find the best fit for the abilities of the joystick.

#4 The blind adventurer is one of the first things that came to my mind too. It also made me thing, what kinds of games (board/card etc) do blind people play.... or do they play anything? I'm sure they must.

What ever it is, that is precisely what I would want to replicate because in all those games you need to depend on touch more then sight. Problem is I don't know any blind people to ask the question to.

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As for the "joystick" it really isn't a joystick. I used the word to help explain what it is that I am trying to do. The device is really a mini robot known as a haptic device. Without actually experiencing what one feels like, it is hard to describe what it can do. I tell you, the first time I used one of these device I was amazed. Here are two other companies that make haptic devices: www.forcedimension.com and http://www.sensable.com/products-haptic-devices.htm

There is a video at http://blip.tv/file/128012 that shows people trying out the device, and I think there are more videos on http://www.novint.com/

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Thanks for all the game suggestions and keep the coming :)

#5 The game David talks about is played by blind people. It uses spacial sound cues to allow the player to navigate the space and of course audio feedback when they bump into something (a wall, etc). I worked on a blind site for kids (and one for the deaf!) and help build a multi-player online version of Battleship as well as a chat space.

You also have to remember not all legally blind people are completely blind. Most are low vision.

Adding "touch" would take the experience that bit further with some careful thought.

I recommend tracking down the a local school or Institute for the blind to find out more. I'll tell you this, there is nothing better than watching kids and seeing how they navigate the internet to begin to understand their needs.

I've played with similar devices as you mention. Interesting but I could see the application as yet in mainstream devices. Mind you, it's been a while since I've thought about this and things do change don't they :)

Sorry if this is not on topic but I do ramble I'm afraid :)

#6 Obviously, I am aware that the device has far more possibilities and functions than any ordinary joystick. However, since it is something that will rely heavily on first hand experience [better start working on those demo booths..] from a typical, casual gamer, it looks like a glorified joystick. Of course, I could just be a dumb ass, but my first instinct was, "Isn't that special." and saying its "a mini robot known as a haptic device" just adds to the commercialized, "as seen on tv!" vibe that I'm picking up, but maybe I'm just cynical.

#7 A surgery game?

#8 As with any cutting edge technology, it will probably be popularized by the adult entertainment industry. ;)

#9 Probably the best thing would be to do would be to find a fun game that already exists and find ways to enhance it using the device.

Instead of just walking on Mud or Snow, you could sink slightly... adding drag to any movement based on how long you stay in one place. Skis losing traction on a patch of ice or vibrating across rough pavement seems like a natural. Bullets hitting you from behind could have a directional component, so you could tell where your opponent is shooting from. I could even see creating "Dazed" or "drunk" effects; affecting a player's movements in a way not really possible now.

With a new device such as this, simple things can become fun all over again. Games involving Balance or coordination, relative weights, might be really interesting. (juggling?)

But don't let the Tail wag the Dog. While designing for a cool specialty device, (...and the Falcon IS really cool, btw; I recently had a chance to get my hands on one!) one should never ignore the fact that while a device can enhance the experience; the TOTAL game play experience should always be the top priority.

So design for your devices' strengths, but don't let that overshadow the simple act of having fun.