Production of a Video Game Alternative Controller Using Arduino and Unity
irdiren, ali (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052515831
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052515831
Tiivistelmä
This study examined video game controllers and the potential of low-cost DIY alternative controllers providing intuitive, innovative and engaging gameplay experiences.
The research was motivated by the growing interest in alternative methods of video game interactions. The objective of the thesis was to produce a functional video game alternative controller using the Arduino electronics platform and the Unity game engine.
The aim was to identify and address technical and design challenges that came with integrating capacitive proximity sensors into a gaming input context demonstrating an applicable model for experimental game design.
Action research and playtests were employed as the research methods. The study was conducted in 2 iterative cycles involving prototyping, reflecting and systemically refining the process. The first cycle served as a proof-of-concept validating the sensor’s viability and establishing serial communication between the Arduino hardware and the Unity game engine. The subsequent cycle focused on optimizing the stability and responsiveness of the sensor. Playtesting with users provided valuable insights into usability and ways people interact with alternative controllers.
The study showed that low-cost video game alternative controllers are a viable way to create engaging and unique gameplay experiences contributing to the fields of interaction design and game design. Future research is highly encouraged to explore more robust sensor technologies and better gameplay applications of alternative controllers.
Keywords: alternative controller, Arduino, Unity, game design, video games
The research was motivated by the growing interest in alternative methods of video game interactions. The objective of the thesis was to produce a functional video game alternative controller using the Arduino electronics platform and the Unity game engine.
The aim was to identify and address technical and design challenges that came with integrating capacitive proximity sensors into a gaming input context demonstrating an applicable model for experimental game design.
Action research and playtests were employed as the research methods. The study was conducted in 2 iterative cycles involving prototyping, reflecting and systemically refining the process. The first cycle served as a proof-of-concept validating the sensor’s viability and establishing serial communication between the Arduino hardware and the Unity game engine. The subsequent cycle focused on optimizing the stability and responsiveness of the sensor. Playtesting with users provided valuable insights into usability and ways people interact with alternative controllers.
The study showed that low-cost video game alternative controllers are a viable way to create engaging and unique gameplay experiences contributing to the fields of interaction design and game design. Future research is highly encouraged to explore more robust sensor technologies and better gameplay applications of alternative controllers.
Keywords: alternative controller, Arduino, Unity, game design, video games