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Accessibility and fancy footwork with GLYDR's John Warren - Game Developer Podcast ep. 40

On this edition of the Game Developer podcast, we chatted with John Warren of the new foot-operated control system GLYDR, all about accessible controller options and the importance of being 'feet legal.'

Danielle Riendeau, Editor-in-Chief

February 28, 2024

two feet on the glydr control deck
image via GLYDR

On the latest episode of the Game Developer podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming my former colleague John Warren on the show to talk about his work at GLYDR. Now finishing up a successful Kickstarter run, GLYDR is a control apparatus that people operate with their feet, leaving their hands free for other tasks (or providing options for folks who need hands-free solutions).

Music by Mike Meehan. Produced by Jordan Mallory.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

We talked about everything from the accessibility piece to the wide range of use cases for the controller, as well as filming a good trailer for your new device (including some light stuntwork by John's partner), finding the way to success with Kickstarter, and how to market a new controller to all types of players.

We also chatted about the power of having something positive happen during the ongoing layoffs and turmoil in the industry.

"Everyone's spirit is, you know, kind of in a weird place right now," said Warren.

"And I think having those things to hold on to that are hopeful is definitely important. And also like, keep in mind, the person that really facilitated the creation of this device and kind of getting into this market has absolutely no games experience."

Related:Exploring the 2024 State of the Game Industry report - Game Developer Podcast ep. 39

"I mean, this is, this is a this is a 70 plus year old man with a engineering background that came up with this idea, because he just likes innovation and new stuff and thinking about 'why why haven't we done this?' You know, asking 'why not?' And so, innovation and excitement and new things in this games industry doesn't also have to come from the same people."

About the Author

Danielle Riendeau

Editor-in-Chief, GameDeveloper.com

Danielle is the editor-in-chief of Game Developer, with previous editorial posts at Fanbyte, VICE, and Polygon. She’s also a lecturer in game design at the Berklee College of Music, and a hobbyist game developer in her spare time.

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