I’ll try to keep this short, back in 2013, I sustained a spinal cord injury which paralyzed most of my body, including most of my hands. I still have arm movement, but I never thought that I could injure myself to the point where I wouldn’t even be able to play video games. I was a console gamer up to that point and only ever used a controller. Obviously a controller was out of the question so I went out on a limb, decided to purchase a cheap entry-level gaming computer/steam machine at the time. (alien Alpha.).
Using a trackball mouse, and a little button pusher stick for my left hand, I started with games that require basic controls like portal and I’ve been gaming for almost 10 years since. Very grateful for PC gaming.
Anytime I start a new game, I always have to spend about 30 minutes to an hour. Remapping controls for what works best for that game but I don’t care at all. I can still game. I can still enjoy the newest titles. Very grateful.
35 Comments
Thank you for sharing your story. That’s awesome that your work and positive thinking allowed you to return to something you love.
I have multiple sclerosis and that limits what I can play so I’m curious what your top games are right now?
I’m so very glad you have been able to keep playing, all the very best in your future gaming exploits!!
Thank you for sharing.
Hope you keep going bud & stay strong! we’re definitely closer than ever to more accessible options even mind control based interface devices.
If you have government disability support in your country checkout whether you’re entitled to things like disability financial aid or even get issued a disability card etc. You can then use that card in most retailers & even gain access to beta testers projects for soft/hard tech startups. A bit unrelated to your post but I’m hopeful in few years took be happy gaming in ways that’s impossible today.
Yes my man, keep it up and keep enjoying yourself!! Awesome!
So glad that people have made things like this to make gaming accessible to anyone who could want to play it. For the most part.
Wish you nothing but the best in the times to come
Thank you for sharing this, inspiring and shows to make those who can game to be more grateful
True gamer 100%
FOR DEMOCRACY
Up is not jump on youtube did a recent vid that might be worth checking out if people want some more info on some of the concepts and challenges in supporting the gaming community this way as well.
Edit: because of his naming conventions the vid is, playing fallout 4 with only my eyes
The Xbox adaptive controller might interest you
Damn, I really take a lot of stuff for granted.
This is so cool! It makes me happy to hear you’re still able to do the things you love. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Are you aware that Microsoft makes a special controller for people with disabilities? It might be worth your while to check out.
I have the Microsoft adaptive joystick attached to my desk with a modular hose so I can add additional inputs using my mouth/lips. Fairly cheap (much cheaper than the marketed mouth puff controls). Might want to look into that if you wanted a few extra inputs.
Congrats! That’ll be a life changing. Glad you’re still able to so something you find so much enjoyment in (assuming you’re like me)
Could you not use the special xbox controler for your console as they have like 10 usb ports for buttons and such
Hey Bud, I have seen Ben Heck from the Ben heck show on YouTube make a lot of different controllers for people that have issues with normal controls, I suggest you try to reach out to him and see if he can help you.
This is great! On that note have you seen these OP? [Xbox Adaptive Controller | Xbox](https://www.xbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-adaptive-controller) I used one when i destroyed my arm in my motorcycle wreck. This thing was a godsend and I still use it even know i have more function in my hand then before.
I feel a deserved support drop incoming from the community here cuz they’re that awesome
My goodness. Thanks for your inspirational post. Lots of shit talk around here, but I can almost feel the entire PCMR giving you a /hug.
there is a twitch streamer who is paralyzed and basically has to use a joystick in his mouth.
his name is rockynohands. hes better then most people with hands.
Runescape would be cool , pretty cruisey point and click game
Amazing! 🤩 Inspiring story bro! So glad you were able to use gaming as a way heal yourself mentally. Sorry about your accident but you’ve definitely made the best of a bad situation! Carry on being epic!! 🤘🏻
I’m glad you were able to find a solution to continue doing something you love.
Shit dude that’s rough but cool as hell that you figured out how to keep on keeping on. What happened? Also do you mess with any ARPGs? I would think they’d be good candidates for what your setup but idk honestly. Well glad you’re part of the community still bro 💪🏼
I’m happy you can still play games.
If you stream online I’m sure people would be interested.
Cool. My buddy has a quadstick and another friend uses a vertical mouse in one hand and controller in the other with some macros. It’s nice to see there are more accessible options these days.
This makes my heart happy. Eyes up, guardian.
Speaking of, you might really enjoy the PVE side of Destiny 2.
I’m really happy that you’ve found a way around your predicaments. For me, a fellow gamer, not being able to game would be really tough obstacle to overcome and I’m happy for everyone who can enjoy the wonders of some of the amazing titles out there.
I know that there are tools that help people communicate via computers, maybe some of those tools could be helpful? Like Tobii eye trackers, voice assist/commands, maybe even some stenography keyboard for multi inputs using very limited limb movements?
I hope that you get the help you want and that you give the Makerspace some tips on how to make gaming more accessible. You’re in a unique position to give incredibly accurate and valuable insight.
Good luck M8 and keep on gaming <3
Reminds me of the guy who used to play counterstrike. I think his name was “therealhandi”. He didn’t have any hands or feet, i cant imagine having to deal with that. I wonder how he’s been doing. He used to play counterstrike all the time.
I recommend checking out Able Gamers, they work with ppl with disabilities to help with controllers and work with devs to make games more accessible:
[https://ablegamers.org/](https://ablegamers.org/)
i would like to see a video of you playing
Can you play Elden Ring
lol I have zero mobility issues, and I can’t play fast reflex FPS games either. Best I could do was Star Trek Online, because it auto-targeted with the Tab key.