A groundbreaking custom controller designed for foot use is gaining significant traction on Kickstarter, surpassing its funding goal within a mere 40 minutes. At present, the GLYDR’s Analog Dual Foot Controller boasts $26,390 in pledges from its supporters, exceeding its initial target of $10,000.
Distinguishing itself from other foot-activated input devices, the GLYDR is engineered to enhance gaming experiences across various genres, not limited to racing, flying, or rhythm games.
The company highlights this versatility in a trailer, stating, “While other foot pedals on the market are either designed for one thing or do a single digital action, GLYDR is designed for versatility across all genres and configurations.”
Featuring 16 configurable actions, the GLYDR enables users to navigate a 3D space in all directions, aiming to alleviate hand strain and enhance gaming proficiency by redistributing movement tasks to the feet. The objective, as gleaned from the trailer and Kickstarter campaign, is to allow hands to focus on precision-based actions while feet handle movement.
The operation of the GLYDR is straightforward. Connecting to a PC via USB or Bluetooth, users can access the provided software to choose from pre-made profiles. For further customization, users can create personalized profiles and share them with others. The customization options extend to individual dead zones for each pedal, promoting accessibility.
Claiming compatibility with “your entire PC library,” the GLYDR is touted as suitable for VR, capable of syncing with headsets via Bluetooth. While designed to work with certain console games, it currently requires mouse and keyboard controls for mapping a control profile. The creators express a commitment to enhancing compatibility with consoles, MacOS, and mobile devices in the future.
Although not explicitly marketed for accessibility, the creators acknowledge in the Kickstarter’s comments section that they are actively exploring opportunities in adaptive gaming spaces. They aspire to provide assistance to individuals with upper body disabilities and fatigue.
As the GLYDR gains momentum, there is optimism that it will contribute to making PC gaming more enjoyable and accessible, particularly for individuals with specific physical challenges.
