It's great to see this kind of innovation in controller development and I'm very excited to see the way in which these controllers evolve. Having said that, I think touchscreen based controllers are bound to bring disappointment. Most serious games require the player to maintain a fine balance on the controls and tactile feedback is a huge feedback factor to the gamer. Touchscreen based controllers cannot provide this tactile feedback.
Another factor is that when I hold a button and stick controller, I dont have to look at the joystick, I can give my full attention to the game. Again with touchscreen based controllers I have to keep looking at the controller to make sure I'm pressing the right button, and the split second I spend look at the controller could get me killed. it will be interesting to see how these problems are worked around.
Hey @mds101; Flypad isnt here to replace the controller you have and love. We're building a new kind of game. Videogames have been shown to support a wide variety of formats from simple social games (zynga-esque) to hardcore FPS style games (like Halo). Flypad wont replace what you use for either game, it will bring a whole new kind of game to life.
But according to the article you intend to provide an API to allow programmers to integrate the iPhone as an input for their existing games. Does that not mean that you are positioning the iphone as an alternative controller? Or am I seriously misinterpreting the article?
Also, I'm quite curious about this 'new kind' of game that is suited to touch controller gameplay. Could you give some details on that?
The API allows programmers integrate the iPhone as an input for their existing games - that being said, its merely a gateway and serves to get the game developer community more familiar with this mechanic.
Simply put, this will be fantastic for some use cases, and not for others; we've no intention of being everything to everybody.
As far as games uniquely suited for this - it's important to remember that the iPhone is much more than a touch controller. it
1. is mobile and with you all the time
2. enables motion of many different types (both tilt control and wii style control)
3. enables swipes, sliders & gestures
4. enables privileged information (that only you can see) and dynamic information (changing what you see in real time)
Another factor is that when I hold a button and stick controller, I dont have to look at the joystick, I can give my full attention to the game. Again with touchscreen based controllers I have to keep looking at the controller to make sure I'm pressing the right button, and the split second I spend look at the controller could get me killed. it will be interesting to see how these problems are worked around.