Dpad for precise timing (like movement). Analogue for precise looking (like aiming).
If I could use the dpad to move in a souls game (especially the ones with movement based combos) I would. But I’d still want the analogue stick for the camera.
Yes, it would be just for Sony to get it; not meaning to say it isn’t collected at all by the developer. Before this, I would have thought they’d share that with the publisher (this case Sony) anyway.
This one made me wonder if they don’t get telemetrics about how people are playing the game to improve the game (or build a new game) from without doing this. And if that same data would be valuable to data brokers in general or if it’s more valuable as an internal trade secret.
A change like this may warrant special exceptions to the refund rules. Steam has made exceptions for similar changes to games made after launch in the past.
The Sims 3 had interactive loading screens prior to 2015 when one of the first DLCs introduced them. They’re just “find the object” puzzles that earn you in-game points for the family you’re loading. They’re the only non-Namco game interactive loading screens I can think of that were around before the patent expired.
The first one I saw was by the patent holder, Namco, where you could play Galaga while Ridge Racer loaded. I always wanted to see it used more and was stoked when I read the news about the patent expiring.
I actually was recording when I made the most gnarly mun landing ever in KSP. I ran out of fuel, was going too fast to not explode. I moved Valetina to hang on the outside of the craft, and moments before impact, I had her jump off. The resulting explosion from the module was juuuust enough counter force to prevent Valentina herself from hitting the ground too hard and she lived to plant a flag. To date, it’s the most impressive thing I’ve personally managed in the game.