SimHQ.com - Developers Roundtable: The Future of Simulations

SimHQ: This one may seem like a no-brainer but there are at times controller problems with released titles. How do sim developers ensure that their upcoming titles will work with CH Products, Thrustmaster, Logitech, Saitek, etc. In addition, how important is it for you to have the latest controller hardware support in your game.

Martin (Battlefront): Players, rightly, expect that games will work with their latest set of controllers. In order to achieve this, however, support from the hardware manufacturers is required. Unfortunately, this isn't always easy to get as small "indie" developer and publisher, and no doubt more support would be desirable.

Julian (XSI): At XSI we made contact with as many of the popular controller and peripheral makers as we could, and will continue to work with them to ensure that we support their products, and that their products are tested thoroughly with Fighter Ops. I think in some cases the beta testing program is shortcut, probably in many cases due to pressure by the publisher, and/or that hardware testing isn’t given the priority it should.

Rick (XSI): I trust you really need to do as much research as possible; this includes having the proper working relationships with hardware companies as well as a very thorough and competent beta team. There is not nearly as many flight sims being developed anymore, and so hardware manufactures are much keener in working with flight sim developers for needed support.

Chris (Lead Pursuit): We work with controller manufacturers as much as we can to ensure things work properly. Of course there are problems but they get addressed. Our second patch, for example, will allow people to use different manufacturers’ controllers with Allied Force. Up to 16 are supported.

David (Matrix Games): This development is something we expect our developers to handle, however, we have a dedicated volunteer testing team that has access to both old and new technology and it catches a great many of the problems we encounter.

Nils (eSim Games): Armor simulations don't seem to draw that much attention, and given the size of our market, nobody should be surprised. That's unfortunate, but you can't really blame someone specific. Hey, you, SimHQ readers! Tell all your friends, and buy more armor simulations! ;)

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Coming tomorrow in the closing Part 5 of Developer's Roundtable:
"Outside the Box - The Developers Point of View"

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