Valve is working on the upcoming Half-Life game to be as accessible as possible. That means they will be including a single controller mode, a light sensitivity setting, and subtitles for various languages.
Half-Life: Alyx will be able to be completed completely with just one controller. Valve’s Greg Coomer has confirmed it as well, but does note that it has yet to be completely finished. In an interview with Tested, he says “You’re reminding me that we’re actually going through a process where we’re looking at making Half-Life: Alyx playable with a single controller, single-handed,” Coomer taught. “But we haven’t gotten all the way through that process yet, we’re trying to make sure that that’s possible just for accessibility reasons.”
Accessibility in VR
We have written about accessibility in VR and how important it is to get the biggest games to buy into the idea that not everyone can operate at the same level. One of the hidden gems inside of virtual reality is that it can take people, who otherwise couldn’t get there, to places and experiences they typically don’t get.
From all of the game trailers and gameplay we have broken down, it seems like controlling Alyx the entire game with one hand is more than possible. Shooting a pistol, moving boxes, interacting with environments, and upgrading weapons all require just one free hand. With that being said, reloading a pistol with two hands seems essential. We are certain the Valve team has found a remedy for this though, it shouldn’t be too hard.
Along with only one controller, you’ll be able to control your virtual player’s height, the crouch toggle switch, the stand toggle switch, light sensitivity, and even subtitles. It seems like Valve is not only preparing the game for each individual customer, but is also trying to sell as many copies of the game. They are ensuring that no matter what kind of VR player you are, you’ll want Half-Life: Alyx.
The Release
HLA is set to release in just 17 days on March 23rd. The game will release on SteamVR for $59.99 and will be compatible with all SteamVR headsets. With that being said, you are going to get the best experience in the game from the Valve Index. The developing studio for the game also made the Index, and did all testing and run throughs with the Index before anything else.
If you are in the market for the Index headset kit, that will be going on sale on the 9th at Noon EST. They’ll sell out quick, so make sure you have your credit cards ready for the $1,000 purchase. For more VR news and gaming community updates, make sure to check back at VRGear.com.
