In 2018, the world of gaming became significantly more inclusive with the release of Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller. Since it's launch, it has enabled millions of people living with disabilities to more easily access the joys and connectivity of gaming.

In comparison to the original, the modular controller allows anyone to play, even if they have limited hand mobility or can only use a foot, chin or elbow. Its innovative development process and design, as well as its potential to shape the future of product design, landed it the Index Award 2019 win in the Play & Learning category.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller may present itself as a finished product, but the community around it continue to build on its potential. Encouraged and celebrated by Xbox, people all over the world are building their own devices and sharing them. But not everyone knows how to go about the building of a game controller, which is why Xbox is switching gears from product development to advisory. 

"We know that this is a long journey and we'll continue to engage the gaming disability community."

"The infinite customizability of the Xbox Adaptive Controller makes it challenging to approach," Co-designer Bryce Johnson tells us. "People know that they can't use a typical controller, but they don't quite understand, without consultation, how they can leverage what the Xbox Adaptive Controller offers."

For that reason, Xbox continues to work with partners on developing peripherals for the device, while offering advice on creating accessible products themselves. One outcome of those efforts is Logitech's release of their own Adaptive Gaming Kit. Functioning as add-ons to the Adaptive Controller it offers affordable and multi-faceted options for even more gamers with disabilities.

"We know that this is a long journey and we'll continue to engage the gaming disability community," says Johnson, who's also Inclusive Lead at Microsoft Devices.

To further this impact, Xbox has also donated the Index Award prize money to CapGame, a French organisation that makes gaming more accessible by testing games, researching solutions and providing consultation.

Since winning an Index Award, the controller has also received several design accolades and been featured in The Washington Post, Time and Fast Company, just to name a few.

Xbox Adaptive Controller from The Index Project on Vimeo.

Image: Xbox, Microsoft