Topic

Give me a break!

Literally.

I'm a new lifetime Glitch addict (and I'm bringing in more!). Adore the game. As a former writer for AbleGamers, I especially enjoy that it's largely very accessible -- in this context, meaning easy for people with a range of disabilities to play. Being able to use either mouse or keyboard, no red-green issues for colorblind, and no sound alerts that aren't also displayed visually are all terrific. Additionally, the amount of help provided by the game itself (not even mentioning the VERY helpful players) is wonderful for people with cognitive issues.

However, there are a few things I'd love for the devs to think about. Two of the suggestions I've seen on this first page alone would make the game more accessible: being able to adjust text sizes, and invisible mode. I am disabled by chronic illness, and can stand only a certain amount of time at the computer (which amount of time depends on the day). Invisible mode would be a lovely way to avoid having to stay on longer to chat with my, don't get me wrong, delightful friends.

As to the title of this post, I'd like to discuss the subway system. Glitch is an enormously addicting game. It's so easy to just get into "Glitch mode" and vanish for hours. The fact that you are obliged to monitor the subway stops, while "realistic," also means that unlike with, say, WoW's flight paths, you are not afforded a moment to stop staring at the screen.

Now I am not blaming my tendency to overstay my ability at the computer on Glitch or the devs. I take personal responsibility, like setting alarms, for reminding myself to take breaks or to quit. But the flight paths are such a lovely, organic way to keep you in the game, still sink the time, but allow you to physically get up and leave since there's not much you can do otherwise. Glitch, at least at my humble level, does not have any such organic "pause" moments. I propose that the subway allow you to choose your destination, and not necessarily arrive immediately, but at least not require the player to pay attention and take action. It could even be a preference, although I understand that TS is trying to avoid preference creep. 

I know I can theoretically step away from the computer at any time. But it would be even more helpful if the game itself, without coming out and saying "TAKE A BREAK" like some do, offered this little pause in a natural, in-game way. I'd imagine this is hardly an original request, but I just thought I'd offer up the accessibility perspective.

Thanks for reading!

Posted 4 months ago by ZenMonkey Subscriber! | Permalink

Replies

  • I would also like to be able to designate a subway stop. I also would like to point out the Subway stop notification is a touch hard for me to read (a lot of Glitch is, actually, but that's just going to be the case with my eyes) and so I do dislike having to lean over and stare at the little notification at each stop to make sure I get off at the right one.

    I'd also really love a pause option. My happiness seems to go down faster if I am logged in than if I am logged out. Unless there really is no difference between being logged in and logged out (I am new, maybe I'm misreading this situation), it can be annoying to have to logout and then back in when I only intend to be gone for a short time but might need to be gone longer. For example, if it's time for me to feed the cat, then I need to logout, but most of the time it only takes about five minutes (that might seem long, but he has medications I need to add in), so then reloading the game after is tedious. A simple *pause* that acts like I'm logged out but is faster to do and undo would be great. It'd also be useful if someone comes over to talk to me while I'm at my computer and I don't know whether it's going to be a brief interruption or a long one. I dislike not giving them my attention and continuing to keep an eye on the game, but a full log-out/login is slow (maybe especially on my computer).
    Posted 4 months ago by Larch Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I actually like having the subway the way it is.  I ride a mass transit train in real life, and you have to pay attention to where you are and when it's time to get off, or you'll wind up somewhere you didn't intend to go.  I like that Glitch mirrors that.  
    Posted 4 months ago by WalruZ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • WalruZ, I also in a way appreciate the current system, because I actually haven't seen one that works this way, mirroring real life, in another online game. That said, this IS a game, and game accessibility has to be considered apart from real life. (I'm not saying MY idea needs to be considered, just accessibility in general!)

    Larch, I also have problems reading the notification. I follow along with the map instead and just ignore the box until I actually have to click it. My eyes are bad too, thanks to genetics and later disease, so I feel your squinty pain. ;-) In many cases we have to adapt, since accessibility isn't about changing *everything* to meet the needs of a few, of course.
    Posted 4 months ago by ZenMonkey Subscriber! | Permalink
  • If you play with the sound on, you can determine how many stops you are going to go and then listen for that number of stops to pass.  

    If you are home you can always take a break by pressing the 'decorate' button.  When in decorate mode, your mood and energy do not deplete.  
    Posted 4 months ago by WalruZ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Yup, decorate mode in your /house stops both mood and energy losses, so no need to log out! And yes, neither mood nor energy goes up or down while you are logged out.

    I don't think you need an invisible mode. Just be honest and say "sorry, I need to log out now."

    As to being reminded to take a break, I'm pretty sure the debuff from death and inability to die twice in a game day (a 4 hour period) is a pretty good "hey, uh, you've really played too long now!" reminder.
    Posted 4 months ago by Faranae Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Thanks for the tip about decorate mode. It won't help when I'm not at home, but I spend a fair bit of time at my house, so that should be useful. :)
    Posted 4 months ago by Larch Subscriber! | Permalink
  • WalruZ, that would still require me to be near the computer.

    Faranae, I'm...kinda obsessive about not dying. :D So far, anyway. Also the point of invisible mode is that you don't have to say anything. Which, when I want to play and I'm too sick to spend energy chatting, but my lovely friends are feeling social, isn't always that easy. 

    Maybe there could be a "busy" flag as in other games, where someone can IM you, but they'll also get the message "ZenMonkey is busy right now." 

    Good tip on the deco-pause, thanks, although I usually just close the browser and come back later.
    Posted 4 months ago by ZenMonkey Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I just came to the ideas forum to post about adding an invisible mode... but instead of starting a new thread, I'll second this one. There are times I just need a quick break from real life but I don't want (or have time) to get involved with my friends here – for example, when waiting for a conference call to start, or when on hold, or just when I need a few "me moments." An invisible mode so I could do a little gardening without getting caught up in conversation or group activities would be awesome. Thanks! - Indi
    Posted 4 months ago by Indikut Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I have to admit I do like the idea of a pause button...because I too like to look away from the computer when some one is talking to me..as quite frankly I find it rude not to...if im at home I will quickly press the decor mode...but im not always at home. If im playing and someone talks to me it would be good to quickly press the pause button and look away from my computer...as it is..I tend to just cross it off...closing the game down....but a pause button would be a lot nicer to use than shutting off your game abruptly, then having to log back in...reloading isn't always fast or easy..un pausing is .. :)
    Posted 4 months ago by Cryztal Subscriber! | Permalink