Using control techniques that are optimized for touch

Video games have evolved over the past 30 years to include several distinguishable and expected traits, especially with regards to controls. A joystick or control pad, and two or more physical buttons has become the standard that has seen universal success on multiple game platforms. From the original NES to the Dreamcast or Game Boy Advance, gamers worldwide have grown accustomed to such a scheme.

But game design drastically changes with a touch screen, as we need to properly account for how the user will hold our device, and what sort of control options will be comfortable to the user.

The fun factor of our game will be completely dependant upon the control scheme we implement into our work, so this isn't an attribute that we should take lightly. Whether we use a software control stick, software buttons, or any other interface mechanic, we should take ease of use into consideration.

For this recipe, we'll dive into different...