Valve Researching Games for the Deaf

[Mess]

A series of videos has emerged on YouTube, in which Gabe Newell hints that Valve's current research into sign language in videogames is in preparation for the introduction of a new deaf character in Episode Three.

Watch part 1, part 2 and part 3 to get the full scoop!

For those who want all the juiciest info now: if Valve can develop the technology to a satisfactory level, there is talk of introducing a new character in Episode Three whom Alyx knew (and had a crush on) long before the events of Half-Life 2. Apparently this is the reason why D0g does not speak - so Alyx can practise signing when this unnamed love interest is not around.

[zombie@computer]

For those who want all the juiciest info now: if Valve can develop the technology to a satisfactory level, there is talk of introducing a new character in Episode Three whom Alyx knew (and had a crush on) long before the events of Half-Life 2. Apparently this is the reason why D0g does not speak - so Alyx can practise signing when this unnamed love interest is not around.

Politically correct peace of crap. What a load.

@ valve offcourse, not @mess

[no00dylan]

How is that PC? I think it's interesting, they already have technology to move the mouths realistically, why not sign language?

[Jorg40]

Whatever Valve does, I will love it.

[RC-1290]

I think they do it for partially the same reason they translate all their games to the Russian language, they see the deaf community as a an under-served group.

[Dionysos]

As long as it doesn't seem forced, why not.

[source-maps]

whats next... a fps game for the blind
seriously though, whats wrong with subtitles

[Prototstar]

Finally a reason for me to use my sign language skill!

[Chopium]

I think it could be cool, but I hope they do it well.

[AndyMacK]

seriously though, whats wrong with subtitles

Not much, but what's wrong with going the extra metre?
-a

[jaddorii]

Hmm... woulnd't it be hard to use sign language at the same time ur playing? Sign with the feet?
How about an fps for ppl that are numb from the neck down

Seriously though, its cool that Valve tries to simulate parts aside from the mainstream gamers but I hope it doesn't affect the feel and play of the game/story. Its a though act of balancing

[MELVIn]

are you seriously afraid that sign language in a game will get in the way of anything? It's not like it's gonna ruin the game for anyone, but instead make it better for a group of people that don't even know how insanely funny a pussy fart sounds.

I however wonder how they're going to animate someone signing. I mean that's a lot of precise small movements.

[ghost12332]

If done right, it could be quite nifty.

[Bema]

whats next... a fps game for the blind
seriously though, whats wrong with subtitles

If you watched the videos, you'll see that they're now planning to introduce captioning to TF2 (and i'd imagine their other multiplayer games). I imagine TF2 must be pretty bland without the taunts, etc. Until you talk to deaf gamers (no wisecracks please) how are you going to understand what they require from a game?

I honestly can't see why people are complaining/moaning. This doesn't strike me as being a publicity stunt, this is just a way for Valve to better serve a sub-section of their community.

Having a deaf-character in game? Just like everything else: if they can make it work in the context then I don't see the problem.

[source-maps]

whats next... a fps game for the blind
seriously though, whats wrong with subtitles

If you watched the videos, you'll see that they're now planning to introduce captioning to TF2 (and i'd imagine their other multiplayer games). I imagine TF2 must be pretty bland without the taunts, etc. Until you talk to deaf gamers (no wisecracks please) how are you going to understand what they require from a game?

I honestly can't see why people are complaining/moaning. This doesn't strike me as being a publicity stunt, this is just a way for Valve to better serve a sub-section of their community.

Having a deaf-character in game? Just like everything else: if they can make it work in the context then I don't see the problem.

im not complaining
just think its not that big of a deal if you have subtitels